In case you're able to be hit with one other wave of nostalgia, then you might wish to get your self all the way down to Lidl as quickly as potential.
The favored funds retailer lately introduced again their Scottish Larder Week on Thursday, March 31, which contains a vary of conventional and distinctive Scots snacks.
First issues first, we Scots definitely grew up with fairly just a few iconic snacks and drinks that usually nonetheless evoke just a few fond childhood recollections.
From grabbing a glass bottle of sugary Irn Bru (RIP to the total sugar model) to sitting down for a correct haggis supper along with your dad and mom - ah, these have been the easier days.
And, as a result of we love a little bit of nostalgia with meals, we determined to take a look at the funds grocery store's vary of Scottish merchandise to see what we might discover.
Lidl guarantees Scots a correct journey down reminiscence lane, as they launched a variety of nostalgic Scottish treats which are presently in shops whereas shares final.
Heading to my native Lidl based mostly on Hutcheon Road in Aberdeen, I picked up a variety of conventional and thrilling merchandise that have been certain to offer me a style of my childhood...
What did I strive from Lidl's Scottish Larder Week?
As Lidl's vary of Scots treats is meant to take consumers on a visit down reminiscence lane, I made a decision to choose up flavours that I grew up with - simply to see in the event that they actually have been pretty much as good as I remembered.
And, I did not simply go for conventional Scottish treats, I made a decision to check out just a few of the grocery store's thrilling new merchandise to see how they integrated a few of our iconic flavours into one thing new.
Right here have been just a few of the gadgets I picked up:
- Mrs Unis Haggis Pakora - £1.49.
- Bell's Sliced Scotch Dumplings - 69p
- Bell's Spicy Macaroni Pies - 99p
- Mrs Tilly's Scottish Pill Popcorn - £99p
- Iron Brew Jelly Infants - 99p
General ideas
Mrs Unis Haggis Pakora
First up was the long-lasting style of haggis from the favored Edinburgh firm Mrs Unis, as a result of who did not develop up with haggis?
The standard Scottish dish has undergone fairly just a few experiments through the years - comparable to haggis bon bons - however this was my first time attempting the haggis pakoras.
I like haggis and, fairly frankly, I made a decision that I actually appreciated it in pakora type as properly. It is pretty exhausting to get the savoury dish fallacious and it really works in each type.
I'll admit, that the batter does make the haggis barely dry, so the added chilli dip was a bonus. Other than that, the haggis had a pleasant distinct style and the filling was substantial.
Bell's Sliced Scotch Dumpling
In relation to puddings, it would not get extra conventional than the Clootie Dumpling - which is actually what these attention-grabbing slices have been.
I will be first to confess that I've by no means truly tried the Scots pudding earlier than. I do know, I do know, disgrace on me. Nonetheless, after popping one within the oven for just a few moments, I used to be a complete convert.
As quickly as I took a primary chew my mouth was hit with warming spices and juicy raisins that have been simply bursting with flavour. I used to be very fearful this might be dry, however I used to be positively impressed.
Bell's Spicy Macaroni Pies
The basic macaroni pie has turn into considerably of a preferred Scottish dish through the years, as a result of if there's something we Scots like, it is placing every part in a pie.
What might seem to be an odd mash-up has turn into considerably of a cult basic - particularly due to Greggs.
I've mentioned it earlier than and I will say it once more, I am a large fan of a little bit of spice in macaroni cheese and I'll say it as soon as once more.
Bell's Spicy Macaroni Pies remind me of the comforting dish that my mum used to make me after I was youthful and I nonetheless get that fuzzy feeling.
Add on the buttery and flaky pastry of the pie and you continue to have a strong Scots dish.
Mrs Tilly's Scottish Pill Popcorn
There isn't any candy flavour extra iconic than the favored Mrs Tilly's indulgent Scottish pill - and now you may get it in popcorn.
The considered correct pill conjures up ideas of a buttery, soften in your mouth texture and a sweetly indulgent flavour. So, after all, I used to be intrigued to strive it as popcorn.
So, think about, my slight disappointment after I did not actually get the style of pill. Personally, it tasted a bit of extra like caramel to my style buds.
I'm not going to knock the popcorn, as every mouthful was ethereal and full of flavour - simply not the flavour I used to be anticipating.
Iron Brew Jelly Infants
It is one in every of our best-loved flavours, so I knew I needed to decide up this packet of Thousands and thousands Iron Brew Jelly Infants.
I grew up consuming Jelly Infants and Iron Bru's distinct style is seared into my taste-buds, so it was like two nostalgic icons in a single mouthful.
And these attention-grabbing little guys definitely provide a novel twist on our beloved fizzy drink.
In case you have been a fan of these iconic Irn Bru bars from Barr (RIP), then you're going to have an absolute subject day with these jelly infants. I used to be a fan of these gone-far-too-soon bars and now I believe I've discovered a worthy alternative.
Every jelly child actually tastes like our well-liked orange fizz, which I genuinely did not suppose might be potential, and it isn't too overpowering.
Stable option to finish the style, as I might have demolished the total packet.
The decision
In case you're an enormous fan of distinctive Scots flavours that we're so well-known for, then get your self all the way down to Lidl whereas their Scottish Larder Week continues to be in-stores.
From the basic consolation dishes comparable to macaroni and haggis to the candy tastes of Irn Bru and pill, there's a tonne of selection that will provide you with a style of your childhood.
Need to revisit easier household meal occasions? Choose up the haggis pakoras or something from the Bell's vary.
Lacking these days you spent with your folks out on the park all day? Seize some Iron Brew Jelly infants and perhaps some pill popcorn when you are at it.
Even with the thrilling new dishes, the standard Scottish flavours are (largely) there, which is precisely why you wish to seize these items within the first place.
Now, if you happen to'll excuse me, I am off to telephone my mum to see if she'll make me some do-it-yourself macaroni cheese.
Lidl's Scottish Larder Week is presently in shops throughout Scotland whereas shares final.
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