November 25th 2024.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Coinneach Macleod, also known as The Hebridean Baker, to chat about his latest project, The Scottish Cookbook. He graciously shared some of his favorite holiday recipes, including the Hogmanay Clootie Dumpling and Christmas Mess, with us. It's no surprise that Coinneach has a devoted following, as his Scottish baking brings a sense of warmth and familiarity that is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket.
With his unique twists on traditional Scottish dishes, charming Hebridean accent, and signature knit sweaters, it's no wonder that Coinneach has amassed a whopping 150,000 followers on Instagram and has been Scotland's bestselling cookbook author for the past three years. Recently returning from a tour in America, where he even had the honor of visiting The White House, Coinneach is now preparing for an appearance on This Morning in London to launch his fourth book, The Scottish Cookbook. When asked if he enjoys the busy schedule, he responds with enthusiasm, stating that he loves working and touring is one of his favorite things to do.
Coinneach's latest book, Scottish Baking 101, is a delightful collection of hearty and nostalgic recipes, perfect for the holiday season. "This is my favorite time of year," Coinneach shares. "I absolutely love a cozy jumper, and now I can finally wear them again. My recipes are intentionally comforting and wintery, as I adore that style of cooking." He goes on to explain that the first chapter of his new book is dedicated to the basics of Scottish baking, making it perfect for those who are new to this style of cooking. "You'll find all the classics, like treacle tart, Dundee cake, shortbread, golden syrup cake, and Highland oatcakes, but with a unique twist," he adds.
One of his personal favorites is his Hogmanay Clootie Dumpling, which he has adapted to make it a festive pudding by adding cranberries and vanilla. "The spices in this version are much more pronounced than in a traditional recipe," Coinneach explains. "I have a serious sweet tooth, so my favorite chapters in the book are 'I'll Bring Cake' and 'What's for Pudding', which are both filled with nostalgic recipes that remind me of my childhood." He fondly recalls learning to bake from his aunt, who inspired his love for baking and taught him the value of creating nostalgic treats.
Coinneach also draws inspiration from the stories and memories of his friends and family, which is evident in the tales he includes in his book about the origins of Scottish bakes and recipes. "I always tell people they need two copies of my book - one to keep by their bed for the stories, and one for the kitchen to use the recipes," he says with a smile. "I love researching old recipes and learning about their names and histories." His ultimate goal is for people to not only try his recipes but to also share the stories behind them with their loved ones.
As for the upcoming holiday season, Coinneach is excited to celebrate both Christmas and Hogmanay. "Growing up in the Hebrides, Hogmanay was always a bigger celebration for me than Christmas, but now I love both," he shares. "While I enjoy the main course and appetizers, I always look forward to dessert and usually serve three different options on Christmas day." He also likes to offer a variety of flavors, including his own unique creations like the Snowball Pudding, a triple coconut cake, and the Eggnog Cheesecake.
With its charming stories and delicious recipes, The Scottish Cookbook is a must-have for any baking enthusiast. "My hope is that people will not only enjoy making the recipes but will also share the stories behind them with their loved ones," Coinneach says. If you're interested in trying some of Coinneach's recipes, be sure to check out his book, The Scottish Cookbook, and subscribe to Scottish Field for more delicious inspiration.
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