Highland Coffees for Hogmanay
“Eleven-fifty,” Brianna declared, popping into the surgery after me, her own cloak over her arm. “I just checked Mr. Guthrie’s watch.”
“Plenty of time. Are ye coming with me, then?” Roger grinned at Bree, seeing her cloak.
“Are you kidding? I haven’t been out after midnight in years.” She grinned back at him, swirling the cloak around her shoulders. “Got everything?”
“All but the salt.” Roger nodded toward a canvas bag on the counter. A firstfoot was to bring gifts to the house: an egg, a faggot of wood, a bit of salt — and a bit of whisky, thus insuring that the household would not lack for necessities during the coming year.
Diana Gabaldon, The Fiery Cross (Chapter 35)
Oops! That bottle of Glenmorangie looks like it made the rounds with Roger — to the big house and beyond — and made it back just in time, a little worse for wear.
But that’s just what happens when a bottle of single malt magically appears around here at holiday time.
It disappears rather quickly — no sleight of hand required.
And while Claire would have preferred hers neat, Frank his with ice, and Brianna none at all (give her a few years…it took me until 40), I can imagine Jamie at Lallybroch, leaving the Hogmanay celebrations in the parlor for the quiet of the laird’s study, Ian at his side. Jenny pops in with a tray of coffee and cream, the good stuff is brought out from its hiding place on the bookshelf, and the 3 of them enjoy a wee nip together in the last few moments of the year…
…and then my Englishman’s voice calls me back to my 21st Century reality, here on our little island in the Pacific Northwest. Which, while not the Highlands, is — I’m canny enough to know — a pretty fabulous place to live.
Many thanks to everyone who has dropped by Outlander Kitchen over the past 2 months…it’s been a blast, and it’s only just begun! Here’s to a safe, happy and prosperous New Year for us all.
(Click on the title below for a printable version of the recipe.)
Highland Coffees for Hogmanay
4 Coffees
Like Irish Coffees, only better. ‘Cause they’re Scottish.
- Sugar – 4 Tble
- Whisky – 4 oz
- Coffee, hot - 3 Cups
- Whipping Cream, warmed – ½ Cup
Stir together 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 oz whisky in the bottom of each of 4 glass coffee cups. Pour ¾ cup coffee into each cup and stir well. Slowly pour 2 tablespoons of cream down over the back of a spoon into each cup, so that the cream floats on top of the coffee. (Watch what I’m talking about here.)
Serve, passing the whisky as required.
Slàinte mhòr agad! (Cheers!)
Looks like you have a messed up link. I clicked on the recipe for Captain Alessandro’s Mango Rum Shots and got Highland Coffee instead.
oops! Thanks, Tiffany — I’ll have a look and fix it!
This definitely sounds like my kind of coffee =)
Yum yum yum. Sluurp! Ahhh…
Happy New Year! I look forward to all the 2012 posts!!!
Yummy, can’t wait to try it!
These are right up your alley, Jenny Roi!
This is so neat!!!
You have done it again Mo chairdean Time Traveling friend!
Bliadhna mhath ur! & Slàinte gu soírraidh! …Beannachd Dia dhuit. Slàinte!
Right back at you Vickie MacK! Slainte and best wishes for the new year.
Thanks for all the contributions this year, really looking forward to what you cook up in 2012! Being a Yank I am not sure if it is correct to say Happy Hogmanay! But I will anyway. Lori (DrMaccaddan)
Thanks Lori — and although, as a Canadian, I’m hardly a source of authentic Scottish New Year’s greetings, I think we’re both safe to say Happy Hogmanay! :)
Oh dear… This is my kind of coffee… And I don’t even drink coffee!!! Wishing you a very happy and delicious New Year… Cheers!
i don’t drink coffee or whiskey…but i really want to try this! happy hogmanay!
Have you ever tried REALLY GOOD SCOTTISH whisky, Lady Lior? That’s what made me a convert! All the best.
Happy New Year to you too! I look forward to the wonders that 2012 will bring alongside you and everyone from our favorite series!
Right back at you, Christiane! Enjoy the last day of 2011 with your family…Theresa