Pipe in the Haggis!

Here we are at Rabbie Burns Night, and it's time to get out our tartans, strap dirks to our calves, and prepare for the grand and rowdy celebration.

Some of us will recall Tommy Douglas reciting "A Man's a Man for A' That," and some will remember, with pleasure or alarm or both, Rufus Harley's recordings of bagpipe jazz, but most will be looking forward to heaps of haggis and goblets of athol brose.

Almost everyone is aware of the ingredients of haggis--a mix of sheep's innards and oats stuffed into the beast's stomach--but athol brose may still be a Scots mystery to some. It is a heady combination of whisky, oats, honey and cream. Quick, fill my cup!

Note: vegan and gluten-free versions of haggis may be available, along with non-alcoholic athol brose.