Taste Ye Back: Great Scots and the Food That Made Them

Native Scot Lawrence (A Cook's Tour of Scotland) asked dozens of her fellow countrymen and women to share memories of food and recipes for signature Scottish cuisine for this warm compilation. As one might expect, comfort food dominates: chicken soup, Scotch broth, rarebit, fish and chips, and the oft-mentioned Mince and Tatties, a ground beef stew served over roasted potatoes. Simple, flavorful surprises include pan-seared scallops over blanched asparagus, topped with sherry vinegar and Dijon vinaigrette, and a satisfying Bacon, Lentil and Kale soup. Lawrence occasionally steps in with her own recipes, such as a Haggis-Stuffed Chicken requested by rugby player Jason White, and a rich vanilla-flavored dessert called Tablet, beloved by footballer Billy McNeills. U.S. readers will recognize a handful of contributors (chef Gordon Ramsay, musician Midge Ure, actors Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor), but most (politicians, television personalities, athletes) will be strangers. In addition, there's little to no description of what finished dishes should look or taste like; as such, expats already familiar with the cuisine will get the most from this book.