school project..please help

[losinglifenow]

i have been assigned to do a project on scotlands foods and customs.i have googled till i just cant google no more,and i keep getting the same things.so here is what i need to know-is the table etiqutte or way of serving foods different than in america?and i also have to make a dish to present to the class-any ideas?thanx

[Polwarth]

The major difference is that Americans cut their food up with the knife and fork and then put the knife down and use the fork only to lift food to their mouths... The British use knife and fork to eat.

We also seem to eat a little more formally than do Americans (judging by visits I've made to the USA).

Just do a search of this forum, there are recipes for lots of Scottish dishes.

[kathyv]

Well, not all Americans eat that way! I grew up eating the European way, didn't know there was another way till I went to school. Everyone thought I was left handed! LOL

Alcohol also figures more in the meal in Scotland than in the States. We don't tend to have a glass of wine with dinner unless it's a formal dinner or more of a festive occasion. Usually we have coffee with our meal and I found in Scotland it was served after dinner. I think I had more wine with my meals the 11 days I was there than I usually have in an entire year at home, and I like wine!

As far as table ettiquette or serving styles, I didn't really encounter any differences. Please and thank you and such are always polite and food is served on a plate!


As far as a dish to prepare for your class, what kind? If you can do a dessert, Shortbread is simple and very yummy! There are several other great recipes posted in this forum, just scroll down and look at whatever strikes your fancy. I will put a Shortbread on here for you.



Shortbread


8oz. Plain flour (2 cups) (I like to use 6oz, 1 1/2 cup, wheat flour and 2oz, 1/2 cup, rice flour. Just gives it a nice crispy feeling!)
4oz. Butter (124g. or 1 stick)
2oz. Castor Sugar (62g. or 1/2 cup)
(Bakers sugar or Confectioners sugar, both work.)
(Use butter rather than margarine, they taste better and bake better.)

Heat oven beforehand (Oven Temp. 350 F).

Mix all ingredients together until formed into a ball that is of soft consistency. Knead well on a floured board until mixture goes a lighter colour.

Then you can either shape into a large round or into small rounds.

Prick all over and place on a baking tray(cookie sheet)and cook for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. While still warm, it's easy to cut and you can sprinkel with a bit of confectioners sugar if you like.


When I make this, I pat it into a round stone pan that has an impression on it. I also have some little cookie presses that you can make single prints on individual round cookies, but I am having problems with this method. You can also pat it all into a square baking pan and just cut into pieces after it's baked. For your class, I'd make a couple of batches.

You might want to practice some before you make it to serve, just to get the perfect batch!

[losinglifenow]

thanks a lot! i was actually planning on making shortbread,and now i really will!