Would you consider me prejudicial if I said that I shunned Scotch eggs just because of the freaky way they look? Are they the most hideous bar snack ever?
What we have is basically a hard boiled egg, encased in sausage and bread crumbs, then deep-fried. I've always wondered if, perhaps like haggis, they are a colossal Scottish culinary joke. Do the kilted sit back and giggle every time an order goes out?
Well, I had an "ah-ha" moment the other night while at a pub in Cincinnati. I'd gone to Nicholson's with some lads specifically for the cask-conditioned ale (which was a bourbon and beer revelation like Dark Knight at our local Barley John's), and we ended up with a table full of bar snacks including fried pickles and some ugly eggs. I was just hungry enough to give them a shot.
Yes, they are an Atkins dream. And no, they are not a culinarian's ideal food choice, but I have to admit they were pretty tasty. The outside was crispy, the sausage was zingy and flavorful, and the egg yolk wasn't as dry as you'd expect. All in all, the Scotch egg turned out to be the perfect drink bomb: something hearty to put in the belly with all the sloshy goodness.
So now I'm occupied with the thought of finding good Scotch eggs (which aren't really even Scottish) at home. I know I'm destined to prowl Brit's and Merlin's Rest and other pubs next week throwing back a pint or two, all in the name of due diligence. It's rough being food-obsessed.
After my night out in The 'Nati, I slunked back to my hotel room and swear to God, Braveheart was on. It's a sign.
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