Scotch woodcock

Scotch woodcock brit-wiki

Scotch Woodcock is a traditional British savoury dish consisting of creamy, lightly scrambled eggs served on a base of toast that has been spread with Gentleman's Relish, a type of anchovy paste. It is often garnished with chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, and sometimes topped with a few anchovy fillets. Despite its name, Scotch Woodcock does not contain any woodcock (a type of game bird) and is instead a simple, yet flavorful dish that has been enjoyed as a breakfast or light supper for many years.

History

The origins of Scotch Woodcock are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been a popular dish in the 19th century, particularly within the British upper classes. It was often served as a savoury course at the end of a meal, following the tradition of serving a savoury to cleanse the palate after sweets. Over time, its simplicity and the ease of preparation have made it a favourite in many British households, not just the aristocracy.

Preparation

To prepare Scotch Woodcock, slices of bread are toasted to the diner's preference and then spread with Gentleman's Relish. The eggs are beaten and cooked gently in a pan with a little butter until softly scrambled. The creamy eggs are then spooned over the prepared toast. The dish is typically seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, and garnished with fresh herbs. For an authentic touch, a few anchovy fillets may be laid on top of the eggs.

Variations

While the basic recipe for Scotch Woodcock has remained relatively unchanged, there are some variations. Some recipes suggest adding a splash of cream to the eggs before cooking to make them even more luxurious. Others recommend using different types of bread, such as sourdough or wholegrain, for the toast base. In some cases, variations of the anchovy paste are used, or it is omitted entirely for those who prefer a less pungent flavour.

Cultural Significance

Scotch Woodcock holds a special place in British culinary tradition, often associated with comfort food and the simplicity of home cooking. It is a reminder of the times when meals were prepared with what was readily available, and dishes were created to be both nourishing and satisfying without the need for elaborate ingredients.

See Also

• British cuisine
• Eggs in cuisine
• Toast
• Gentleman's Relish