Smoked Haddock Bake for St Andrews Day Night In

On the day that Scotlands First Minister, Alex Salmond, launched the SNPs independence blueprint, which argues the nation would prosper should there be a "Yes" vote in next Septembers referendum, I thought it was rather appropriate to post a recipe for  St Andrews Day Night In  Whatever your views on Scotlands Independence debate, you cant deny that there is some fabulous produce in Scotland or that Scots know how to celebrate!

So who was St Andrew?

• St Andrew is the Patron Saint of Scotland
• St Andrew is celebrated on 30 November
• St Andrews Day is a day to celebrate Scottish culture, food and dance
• St Andrews flag is the flag of Scotland
• The flag is in the form of a white X on a blue background and is commonly known as The Saltire
• St Andrews Societies celebrate Scottish culture around the world
• St Andrews Day is a bank holiday in Scotland but entitlement to leave depends on the employer
• St Andrew is also the patron saint of Romania, Greece and Russia
• Scotland is one of the few countries to have one of Christs disciples as their patron saint
• St Andrew was one of the Twelve Apostles (disciples of Jesus) and brother of St Peter
• St Andrew is believed to have died on a diagonally transversed cross which the Romans sometimes used for executions and which, therefore, came to be called St Andrews Cross
• St Andrews Day is connected with Advent, which begins on the first Sunday after November 26
• St Andrews Day marks the beginning of Scotlands winter festivals.

St Andrews Day falls on 30 November and is a bank holiday in Scotland, with many organisations enjoying a day off and events taking place across the country to celebrate St Andrews Day in a patriotic fashion, sadly I dont get this day as a holiday, but this year it is on a Saturday so most people will be able to celebrate the day.   The last few years have seen many more events taking place across the country with a number of Scotland’s historic attractions allowing free admission for the day.
Information from Scotland.Org

Seafood Scotlands Young Chef of the Year, Adam Newth, has created a couple of fish dishes for Scotland.org, the Gateway to Scotland.  I made the Smoked Haddock Bake after a long day preparing for a pre-Christmas family feast.  It was so quick easy to make and pop into the oven, everything is in one dish, we really enjoyed it.  There are lovely contrasting textures of salty, smoky fish, creamy but sharp creme fraiche, tender pieces of potato and the crispy breadcrumb and parmesan mix on top.  The dish also contains broadbeans and peas making it a great one pot meal.

Check out the rest of the St Andrews Day menu and maybe you could have a St Andrews Night In this Saturday?

I was not paid to write this post and all opinions are my own.