Remains of a slightly unconventional Burns supper

Unconventional in its timing, a night early because I have an audition tomorrow, and also in its garnish; but why should we have mashed tatties and neeps just because someone says so? Actually, sweet potato goes really well, and if parsnips and turnips aren't 'neeps', what are? The carrots and beetroot were roasted with them, mainly because they needed cooking, and will do for a scrap summer tomorrow with the remaining 'chieftain'. Made in Lancashire, with slightly bowdlerised ingredients (beef heart rather than sheep's pluck), it was actually pretty good. The root vegetables were all from my organic delivery box.

The star performer, though, was the dram; having left my Christmas bottle of Laphroaig at home in Wales, I ventured into Oddbins this afternoon, which I usually avoid as too expensive, and found they had the new 'quarter flask' at a very fair price. Close to cask strength, lovely and rich but still peaty. Glorious! And a fine light Welsh beer first to whet the whistle (Cwrw Madog from Purple Moose Brewery).