32 minute read
DiscovHER Health Holiday Open House
Photography by Kenny Walters
Katie Kissal of Kissal Communications recently joined forces with Nurse Jenna of DiscovHER Health to host a holiday open house event where guests were invited to learn more about the wide range of services she offers from aesthetics to women's health treatment. Refreshments were served and attendees enjoyed complimentary minilaser hair removal services and discounted rates on facial rejuvenation packages.
Learn more about how women can make their health a priority at www.discovherhealth.com.
WHAT'S IN HER BAG? natalie strahorn THE MVMNT SOCIETY
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Photography by Ali Jalil
As the founder and CEO of the MVMNT Society, Natalie Strahorn has a lot on her plate. The wife and mother of two young children plays an active role inside her business; she both teaches classes and runs the operations. A certified instructor in Pilates, barre, TRX, trampoline, BOSU, 305 Fitness, High Fitness and Surge Fitness, she teaches all programs offered at MVMNT and leads three to six classes per week on top of her health coaching work. A dozen years in, she maintains passion for what she does, which makes her all the more successful. “Hands down, my favorite aspect of this job is connecting with people,” Strahorn says. “Exercise makes you feel good, so I literally never have a bad day at work because of the physical aspect and also the gift of connecting with people and helping them optimize their health through fitness. I’ll never forget my first year of teaching when a client would tell me after class that my class turned their day around. It’s an incredible feeling that still rewards me today.” Being so active keeps Strahorn fit, healthy and strong— and being a strong woman is important to her. “It gives me the capability of being best as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, small business owner and friend, both mentally and physically,” she says. “It means that I can chase after my kids, carry them and physically be there for them on so many levels. It means I can carry cases of water into the studio and easily set up larger props like trampolines and BOSUs. A strong
body means better bone health and reduced risk for chronic health conditions like obesity, arthritis or a heart condition, so I can be around longer. And a strong body reduces my risk for mental health issues. I think you work out to look good when you’re younger, but as you get older, you realize that life is precious and being strong makes the journey of life that much better.”
What's In Her Bag, continued...
CHANEL HANDBAG. I need a bag big enough to tote my laptop and my go-to daily necessities. I like that this one has both a shoulder and hand strap. LOUIS VUITTON BELT BAG. This was a splurge I bought in Aspen that my husband thought I’d never use. I’m happy to report I prove him wrong on a daily basis. This makes mom life so easy! It is nice to have for errands because I can leave my larger bag in the car. MVMNT GRIP SOCKS. I always have these on hand for barre and pilates classes.
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE PRÊT-À-POWDER POST WORKOUT SPRAY. My girlfriend, Kim, gifted me this. It smells amazing and it soaks up sweat to extend a blowout.
YSL CARD HOLDER. I like to streamline things when I can, so I like this for the size and, of course, a little luxe never hurts.
APPLE AIRPODS. I’m always taking health coaching calls, posting to my health coaching group's Facebook page or listening to podcasts while I run errands. I cannot live without my AirPods.
SUPERFICIAL PATRICK TA LIP GLOSS. This is my daily lip gloss. I love the nude color and lip-plumping effect. ALOHA PROTEIN BAR. One of my biggest health tips is to always have healthy snacks on hand so you’re not stuck eating crap or waiting until you’re hungry.
POPPY LISSIMIAN SUNGLASSES. I got these in Miami. They make a statement. Plus, I’m not into tiny sunglasses. I need the larger size for sun protection! SMART WATER. I usually use a refillable water bottle, but sometimes I have to grab a water from the studio, like today.
FIDGET SPINNER AND A TOY MONSTER TRUCK. I keep small toys on hand for my kiddos.
MVMNT SCHEDULE CARDS. I drop these around town when I’m out and about.
MUST HAVES. You'll never find me without my MVMNT key chain and car keys, laptop and cell phone.
HOME FOR THE PAWLIDAYS
HELPING PETS FIND FAMILIES WHO LOVE THEM
Story by Liesel Schmidt | Portrait of Adam (left) by Jonathan Thorpe
If the multi-billion-dollar worth of the global pet industry is any indication, people absolutely adore their pets. Cats, dogs, birds, even hedgehogs… you name it, people adopt them into their family and shower them with affection. Unfortunately, there’s the flip side of that coin, the heart-breaking cases of abuse and neglect that leave an animal either fending for themselves or at the mercy of their circumstances. Situations such as these are what give organizations like the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) their purpose: to give aid and shelter to these poor, defenseless creatures and find them forever homes with families or individuals who will lavish them with the love and attention they have been so starved of.
Established in 1946 as a nonprofit animal welfare organization, the AWLA was created by a group of Alexandria residents concerned about the stray animals in Alexandria. They wanted to make a bigger impact to help those animals. “The mission of the AWLA is to inspire compassion for all living things, to provide shelter to animals in need and to promote adoptions, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in our community,” says Director of Marketing & Communications, Gina Hardter. “Simply put, we want to help pets find—and stay with—families who love them.”
The AWLA is Alexandria’s only open-access animal shelter, meaning that they accept any type of domesticated animal that comes to them from within the limits of the City of Alexandria. “In the past year, we’ve seen dogs and cats as well as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, lizards, chinchillas, snakes, tree frogs, fish, hermit crabs and more,” says Hardter. “On the occasion that an animal comes to us that is not allowed to live within city limits—like a pig, which has happened before—we will work to either adopt them to someone who lives in a locale in which they can live, or we will work with one of our shelter partners in an area where that pet is allowed to see if they can take them.”
Clearly, the work AWLA does is incredibly important in keeping the animals of the community properly cared for. But it extends even further, to make sure that both animals and their caretakers are given everything they need. “The AWLA works locally to help not only animals in our community, but also the people who love them,” explains Hardter. “We offer services people expect, including adoption, behavior assistance and humane education programs, but we also provide a variety of programs to support pet owners who are experiencing hardship, from free/low-cost vaccination clinics to our Pet Food Pantry and our Crisis Care program for pet owners who need temporary emergency boarding—perhaps as a result of losing housing or an unexpected medical crisis. By doing the work that we do and focusing on our community, we are able to make a bigger impact for animals locally. But it also means that, by keeping more animals in homes, we can work with other under-resourced shelters and rescues to help more broadly across the region and even throughout the country." “We are so proud of the high level of care we are able to provide to the animals in our facility,” Hardter goes on. “We offer not just basic veterinary care, but will go above and beyond when an animal needs life-saving surgery or treatment. Our behavior team dedicates their time to working out programs to help animals grow and become ready for life in a home environment. While they are with us, each member of our team dedicates themselves to getting to know the animals in our care so that they, in whatever capacity they serve, can help each animal connect with their future family.” As a nonprofit organization, funding and consistent staffing are naturally concerns. “We have a strong relationship with our partners with the City of Alexandria, but we find that
many people don't realize that we are a nonprofit organization rather than a department of the city government, which means that the way we function and are funded is separate from these city services,” says Hardter. The majority of the AWLA’s funding comes from both in-kind and monetary donations from the community as well as through adoptions and event attendance. They also receive funding through their contract with the City of Alexandria to provide stray housing and animal control services for the city. This particular department within the organization is overseen by a team of five officers who are employees of the AWLA. “As part of their role, these officers assist residents with wildlife concerns, including [answering] questions about wildlife behavior [and] assisting with trapped or injured wildlife,” says Hardter. “They also support the Alexandria Police Department and the Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Alexandria in cases that involve animals and help to enforce the animal-focused laws for the city. Their goal with these efforts is to educate current and future pet owners to help Alexandria continue to be the pet-loving community that it is and always has been.” While the AWLA’s contract with the City of Alexandria requires that some of their services extend only to the animals within the city limits, potential adopters are not limited to residency in Alexandria. “In the past year, we've had people from as far as New York to Wisconsin and even Colorado adopt, and we're happy to have the opportunity to help people across the country find amazing new family members,” Hardter notes. “Animals come to us in several ways,” she continues. “Some are found in the city, and if their family has not come forward during their ‘stray hold’ window, they can be made available for adoption. Additionally, some animals come to us when their owners are no longer able to care for them. When we have space, we will also work with under-resourced shelters and rescues from throughout the region to help bring in animals who may not be able to find homes locally but will find their perfect families in Northern Virginia. Additionally, we have a variety of animals in our care every year who may be staying with us temporarily but will not be available for adoption—like our Crisis Care residents, who will ideally reconnect with their families when they are able. We care for more than 2,000 animals in our facility every year and touch the lives of thousands more. We’re proud of the fact that over the last few years, we’ve had about 1,400 to 1,500 adoptions per year, and those numbers continue to increase as we find more ways to connect pets with their families.”
Naturally, there is a process to adoption, as the AWLA is dedicated to finding the right homes for the animals in their care. “We are currently offering adoptions by appointment, so people have the best chance of connecting with an animal who fits their personality and lifestyle,” Hardter says. “Interested adopters can visit our online adoption page ... to see all of our available animals. They can also filter the animals on that page, if
WHEREVER THE ROAD TAKES YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
TEAM YATES WILL GET YOUR THERE SAFELY!
they know they are looking for a specific size or age of pet, to see the animals that are available and meet their needs. Each animal has a profile that explains how to book an appointment to meet them. Once that appointment is booked, adopters can come in and meet with the animal of their choice and ask any questions they might have. We're also happy to help provide guidance if they know they are looking for something specific in a pet. Once they find the pet that they think is perfect for them, we'll schedule an adoption Q&A to provide the animal's medical and behavioral background information and answer any additional questions. After that, we schedule a time for them to pick up their new pet and sign the adoption paperwork.” Adoption may be somewhat more complicated than simply going to a pet store, but there are a number of advantages to bringing home an animal from AWLA’s care. “We see all kinds of breeds—animals ranging from puppies and kittens to spectacular seniors—and every personality type,” says Hardter. “Many of these animals already have experience living in a home environment and may even know some tricks and training. Our staff works hard to get to know each animal in our care so we can provide you with the best information about them, both from before they came to us and during their stay. We are also committed to helping visitors find pets that are the right match for their lifestyle, which we can do because of our experience with those animals and with the thousands of adopters we meet every year. Most important of all, when you adopt from the AWLA, you know that the support that you've given is immediately going into helping the next animal in need.”
Brought to you by Nounou Nanny Story by Liesel Schmidt
When we smell pumpkin spice in the air, feel crisp winter breeze, see festive lights and hear music playing everywhere, there’s no denying that the holiday season is in full force. But with it comes both the joys and headaches of such a busy time. For anyone with kids, one of the greatest stressors (and the greatest delights) can be that stretch of days free from school and extracurriculars. Your kids are home and looking for things to do, so why not give them fun, festive activities that get everyone in the holiday spirit and (bonus) keep them occupied?
Whether you’re an overachiever who bakes everything from scratch or someone who prefers to buy a kit, making a gingerbread house (or, if you’re really into it, a village) is a great way to have fun as a family. Let the kids go off-book and decorate in whatever way their creativity takes them, then take a picture to capture the masterpiece and the moment.
4. Get Roasting
S’mores may not traditionally be a holiday treat, but there’s no rule that
says it can’t be. If you have a firepit or fireplace, roast some marshmallows over the flame and make s’mores together while you sing Christmas carols. If you’ve got some formal dinners or parties already on the books for the holiday season, why not break out the fancy duds for dinner with your kids? Dress them up as well and set the table with your best dishware and candles. You’ll make them feel like dinner with them is a special occasion rather than an afterthought.
2. Light It Up
Holiday lights are a sight for anyone of any age to behold, and the light game can get downright competitive. Take an evening walk or drive through areas with the best-lit houses in your area, rate the houses as you go and vote on a winner at the end of the tour. Keep your hands and insides warm with hot cocoa to sip on your trip.
3. Roll Tape
The holidays are rife with great movies both old and new. Share some classics with your kids and make them part of their holiday tradition. Don't stop there! Find new ones to enjoy too! Let the kids get in on the selection so they feel included and have them help make snacks. Pop popcorn and set out candies to pour in and flavor their batch, then cuddle up and let movie night commence.
5. Sleep Under the “Stars”
If your tree is up and awaiting presents under its lit branches, now is the perfect time to have a living room “camp out” under the lights. Get your pillows and plenty of blankets and arrange them under the tree, then spend the night with your kids with the magic surrounding you. It’s sure to be something they never forget.
7. Wrap It
You probably feel like you have a mountain of things to wrap, but that saying of many hands lightening the load is a very true statement. Get older kids in on the wrapping action by letting them wrap some things for you (not their own presents, obviously). They’ll love to see some of the things other people will receive on Christmas morning.
8. String ‘Em Along
Popcorn garlands may be a throwback, but they’re a tradition for a reason. Making them is fun, interactive (hey, we don’t judge, eating while you’re stringing is half the appeal) and inexpensive. Watch movies while you string or tell stories about holidays from your childhood.
A holiday tradition for any age, caroling is a great way to get outdoors and get everyone in the mood. If you live in a neighborhood with neighbors you may not know, it’s also a great way to introduce yourselves. It can be particularly special for those who can’t get out or don’t often have visitors. Ask your kids what carols they’ve learned and print out a few songs, then head to your local hospital or nursing home. You’ll make others feel special and give your kids memorable experiences.
10. Get Crafty
Making your own ornaments is a great way to create memories that you can touch and look at for years to come. Many cost next to nothing to make. Bake gingerbread men and punch a ribbon hole in the top before baking them, or free-style ornaments out of cinnamon sticks, popsicle sticks, craft pom-poms or dried fruit.
11. Play!
Or rather, go to one. The holidays are a time when schools put on productions of classic tales like “The Night Before Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol,” so make sure you put one on your calendar. Even if your kids aren’t in the play or choral production, they’ll see that you support their school. You will all enjoy the time together doing something out of the ordinary. They may even have friends in the cast or chorus that they want to see.
12. Make Chains
Red and green paper chains are another project that, while extremely low-tech and very much a relic when it comes to how long they’ve been in the holiday decor mix, have definite possibilities that give them timeless charm. Use different kinds of paper to make it more unique or add glitter to some of the links. They can be draped
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anywhere, so go wild. To make it a thoughtful and teachable moment, as you make each link, have the kids say something they’re grateful for this year or a wish for the new one.
13. Let It Snow
And get out in it. Snow isn’t an everyday thing, so take time out of your day to go outside with the kids to make snow angels, have a snowball fight or build snowmen. The point is to let your kids see your inner child come out and bond with them. They’ll never forget seeing you let it go and have fun like a fool in the snow.
14. Count Down
Advent calendars are a fun way to help kids keep track of how many days until Christmas (and avoid the daily litany of “When is Santa coming?” that you know will happen). They’ll look forward to getting the treat inside, and you can make it a family activity that requires all of you to stop what you’re doing and gather together. Read a holiday story together first to make it even more of a family moment.
15. Give Good Gifts
Your kids are likely getting new toys as gifts, so use this time to help them cull their collection at the same time as they give to others. Go through their toys together and find gentlyused ones that other children will be able to enjoy and love. You can teach your kids the importance of community and caring and how not everyone is as fortunate as they are. Gather up the selected toys and donate them to a women and children’s shelter or find a donation point for gently-used toys.
16. Salute the Soldiers
Holidays are a time when deployed service members feel the loss of home and family, so have your kids make cards or ornaments to send overseas. You can find websites like militarycardchallenge. com that accept cards and then distribute them to deployed service members to cheer up their holidays. Teach your kids about the important things the troops are doing and let them see your support.
17. Be Sweet
Making holiday treats like cookies, pies and cakes are a great way to bring your kids into the kitchen. Give them age and skillappropriate jobs and show them each step as you go. Even if you don’t indulge yourselves, the end result will be a great gift for neighbors or friends or to take to holiday gatherings. The kids will be proud of their contribution. Make sure you get Santa’s cookies in the oven, as well—your kids will love knowing they’ve helped make a treat for the Jolly Old Elf himself.
18. Write On
Speaking of Santa, the kids need to write their letters to the big guy, so make that an activity you do together. Help them make a letterhead and let them practice their letter writing. When they’re done, send it through the USPS North Pole Post Office program so that you’ll get an official reply from the North Pole, complete with a North Pole postmark.
19. Sit and Smile
Malls and shopping centers have visiting hours for Santa, so now’s the time to take your kids to see Santa and
get their picture taken. You’ll love having those photo memories to look back on later, and your kid will be thrilled that they got to tell Santa what they want.
20. Visit a Nativity
If you’re religious, live nativities are a great holiday activity for you and your kids. Churches or local theater companies often put one on for free or for a minimal entrance fee, so see what’s available in your community.
23. Make Some Dough
Why buy ready-made when you can make your own “Play-Doh” out of flour, salt, cream of tartar, water and food coloring? Kids will love helping you make it. Bake the creations and give
24. Feed the Birds
And squirrels. Winter can be a tough time for birds and squirrels to find food, so help your kids make a pinecone birdfeeder with peanut butter and birdseed. Slather the pinecone in PB and then roll in seeds, hang in a tree and voila! Birdfeeder. Your kids will enjoy seeing the critters feast on their creation knowing that they’ve fed some hungry animals.
25. Get Game-y
Games are a great way to spend time as a family, so break out your family’s favorite games. Even if they’re not holiday-themed, you can make them more festive by raising the stakes to include wrapped present prizes.
As part of their interaction with the children in their charge, nannies in the Nounou Nanny program love helping families get into the holiday spirit with activities like these and more. If you have the need for a nanny whose qualifications, reliability, experience and character are top notch, visit nounou-nanny.com.
21. Tell Stories
Holiday breaks mean a little leeway on bedtime, so use those extra few minutes to read the kids a holiday story. Take them to the library to pick out the books they want to read together. Make a note of favorites to buy later when they go on sale.
22. Cut It Out
craft activity for your kids to do and one that takes very few supplies. Break out different colors of paper, glue sticks and glitter to make them even more unique. Let the kids go to town.
STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT
THE HISTORY OF SCOTTISH SETTLERS IN ALEXANDRIA DUNDEE, SCOTLAND (ALEXANDRIA’S SISTER CITY) THE RETURN OF THE SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS WALK JUNIOR FRIENDS OF THE CAMPAGNA CENTER HOW TO HOST YOUR OWN SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS MENU SCOTCH BROTH RECIPE
If you close your eyes and listen, you can almost imagine yourself in another time and place as the sound of bagpipes and drums pulls you back to ancient days in a different world.
Open your eyes and you’ll see bagpipe after bagpipe, followed by a team of drummers, all sported by kiltwearing men who very much look the part of the Scotsmen they are, if several generations removed. This is Alexandria’s Scottish Christmas Walk, a tradition that has been observed every year for the past 51 years, save one.
The History of Scottish Settlers in Alexandria
The event's roots trace back to Scotland itself, the land from which Alexandria’s founders hail. “In 1669, Scotsman John Alexander purchased the land of present-day Alexandria from an English ship captain for ‘six thousand pounds of tobacco and cask,’ according to record,” says Katelin Moomau of the Scottish Walk Committee. “In November 1748, three Scottish settlers, William Ramsay, John Carlyle and John Pagan, sailed up the Potomac River from Dumfries, Virginia, to look for a better trading port. The petition was accepted, and in May of 1749, Governor Gooch signed the bill establishing the new town. It was called Alexandria in honor of the Scottish Alexander family on whose land it would rise. A
few months later, lots were surveyed and auctioned off over two days, July 13 and 14, 1749. The main thoroughfares through the new community became Fairfax Street and Cameron Street. Thus began Alexandria's 250-year history. We have a sister city in Dundee, Scotland, and of course there was a big Scottish and Irish population that came to and founded Alexandria.” Now with the return of the Scottish Christmas Walk after COVID restrictions necessitated its temporary pause, Alexandria once again celebrates its roots through this tradition—one that is important not only for cultural relevance, but because of its impact on the community.
“The Scottish Walk was started by the Junior Friends of the Campagna Center, the fundraising arm of the Campagna Center, which is a volunteer group of women who helped to raise funds for the programs of the Campagna Center,” says Moomau. “This non-profit organization was created with a mission to serve children and families in Alexandria. The reason for the walk was to fundraise dollars for the programs of the Campagna Center, which provided a host of educational programs for the community.
Junior Friends of The Campagna Center
Dundee, Scotland (Alexandria's Sister City)
That sister city of Dundee enjoys a close relationship with Alexandria, the two often exchanging visiting members of the Dundee Alexandria Twinning Association, an organization which fosters educational experiences and a sharing of cultural traditions. Clearly, Alexandria celebrates its Scottish heritage as well as the Celtic roots it developed as a city built largely by settlers from Scotland and Ireland. Those peoples brought their traditions, their beliefs and way of life to the shores of Alexandria, making the city culturally unique and exceptionally rich in history. During various years, the Junior Friends would sell heather and greens, host the ‘Taste of Scotland’ benefit as well as home tours, children's tea with Santa and a marketplace and put on the parade itself as the various components of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. What better way to start the Christmas season than by helping our community and supporting children and education?” says Moomau. “Early childhood programs and Wright to Read, Campagna Kids, Building Better Futures and New Neighbors are some of what we provide to Alexandria. The center supports over 2,000 children and families in our local community and the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend helps make that a possibility.”
“Campagna Center founded the walk back in 1966, and for the past 50-plus years has always been the organization that puts on the walk,” adds Kathryn Duval of the Campagna
Center. “It’s also important to note that we don’t receive proceeds from the walk itself; it is a cost we incur—along with the City of Alexandria—to put on for the benefit of the residents of the city. This year, for the first time, we are partnering with Visit Alexandria. Campagna’s work is so vital to the community because we are the only organization serving children and families from cradle to career in every zip code of Alexandria. We offer educational support to expectant mothers, newborns, infants, toddler, schoolaged children and adults. Since 1945, Campagna Center has worked tirelessly to ensure that all children have the educational tools they need to thrive.”
How to Host Your Own Scottish Christmas
A Taste of Scotland
Naturally, the event requires participants. Fortunately, the Scottish spirit is strong. Perfect for adults who enjoy a good Scotch, the Taste of Scotland is a large benefit that features Scotch tastings and an evening of merriment at the Torpedo
Factory. The Scottish Walk itself features clans, bands and a host of organizations that participate in the parade, with an appearance by Santa at the parade’s end. “This is part of Alexandria's biggest holiday weekend,” Moomau notes. “It’s an incredible draw for tourism and a great boost to the economy. Visitors come to the Taste of Scotland and watch the parade, they often get breakfast and warm beverages before the parade steps off and then stick around after for more merriment. Restaurants and bars around the city will often be filled with plaid and visitors usually stick around to watch the boat parade later in the day. Of course, anyone who needs a little holiday cheer will benefit from this incredible event—but most importantly, the children and families served by the Campagna Center. They are a wonderful organization and the support they receive from donors goes directly into our local community to provide educational programs that are critical to learning and [to the] development of our community.”
For anyone who wants to host their own Scottish Christmas, there are some unique traditions to include. It’s important to note that Scotland’s version of Christmas is different than that of England and, by extension, America. Firstly, there’s the history. During the Reformation when Christmas was banned as a pagan holiday, the Scottish Presbyterian Church discouraged any festivities around December 25th and continued this ban well into the 1900s. As a result, Christmas was a lowkey event and celebrated in secret until 1958, when Christmas Day became a recognized national holiday in Scotland.
Scottish Christmas Traditions
As the cold, snow-prone country that it is, Scotland’s Christmas traditions also include a great deal of fire in many forms. The Yule log tradition can be traced back to Viking times in the 8th century, when families would save a hardwood log to burn on the shortest day of the year and light it with a piece of log from the previous year. It was believed that everyone sitting around the fire as the Yule log burned would enjoy prosperity and protection in the coming year.
As evil spirits were a great concern, the Scottish used the Cailleach, the “Old Woman Winter” talisman to keep spirits away. To do this, they would throw a wooden carving
representative of the Cailleach on the fire on Christmas Eve. This act was symbolic of the destruction of winter. Another way to keep unwelcome visitors away was keeping the fire burning all night on Christmas Eve. Back in the Earthly realm, resolving differences was often done by burning a rowan tree branch to chase away bad feelings among friends and family and to start the New Year with no remaining grievances. Fire is also a sign of welcome, so Scottish homes traditionally keep a candle burning in the window during Christmas to welcome strangers.
Traditional Scottish Holiday Menu
Waiting for Santa—as he’s plainly called in Scotland— can seem interminable, but as you wait, plan a menu for Christmas Day the Scottish way. Traditionally, this feast should include turkey as well as a few accompaniments including: Scotch broth: A filling vegetable soup made of turnips, leeks, carrots and dried peas with pearl barley in lamb or mutton stock.
Cock-a-leekie: A soup made with chicken, leeks and pearl barley or rice. Salmon: Roasted or baked in a pie. However prepared, salmon is part of Christmas tradition because Scotland is the UK’s biggest importer of this delicious fish. Clootie dumpling: A Christmas pudding made with raisins, cinnamon, spices and apples. Rather than baked, however, the ingredients are boiled in a cloot, or cloth. Scottish cheeseboard: If you know charcuterie, you can certainly do a cheeseboard. Include the great cheeses of the UK, such as Caboc, Scotland’s oldest cheese and one covered in toasted oatmeal; sheep’s milk Lanark Blue; Isle of Mull Cheddar; or soft Bonchester cheese. Serve with oat cakes to complete the board.
Recipe: Scotch Broth
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 lbs. lamb shoulder or lamb shanks (sub: beef with bones) • 2 tbs. butter • 1 medium yellow onion, diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pearl barley • 1/3 cup dried green split peas • 4 sprigs thyme • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp. salt • 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 large carrot, diced • 1 turnip, peeled and diced • 1 rutabaga, peeled and diced • 1 parsnip, peeled and diced • 1/2 cup shredded green cabbage • 1 medium leek, chopped • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the onions and garlic in the butter until softened, around four to six minutes. Next, add the lamb, herbs, barley, split peas, salt and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for two hours, skimming off any foam. Next, add the carrots, turnips, rutabaga and parsnip. Simmer for another hour, then remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Remove the meat from the mixture, then shred it with a fork and discard the bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot along with the leek and cabbage. Simmer for another 30 minutes and add salt to taste. Serve garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Note: This soup should be on the thick side, almost like a stew rather than a broth. However, if you prefer the soup a bit thinner, add some more broth.
GET INTO THE HOLIDAY Spirits!
