(Photo of Urquhart Castle taken by my husband, John
Morgan during our trip to Scotland last year)
Come journey with me as
I whisk you away to 13th century Scotland for a Midwinter’s feast.
We shall arrive at Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness. This is the home
of the Clan MacKay—the Dragon Knights. Their bloodline is steeped in ancient
Celtic mythology. Though they respect the new religion that has swept across
their land, the Dragon Knights continue to honor the old ways. Midwinter is a
celebration of light and warmth here within the walls. The doors have been left
open for all to enter in peace. Once you step inside, you are drawn to the holly
boughs with ivy, bay, crimson-berried yew and fragrant bunches of rosemary.
The torches cast a
welcoming light as you proceed onward. As we enter the Great Hall, you are met
with boisterous laughter and gaiety. A bard is recanting the tale between the
aging Holly King (representing the darkness of the old year), and the young Oak
King (symbolizing the light of the New Year). Some of the older lasses have
chosen to weave a sprig of holly onto their gowns and they nod at you in
passing.
Candles illuminate the
hall in a soft glow as you make your way toward the feasting tables. The Dragon
Knights and their wives are seated at a longer table near the hearth. Ale and
mead are flowing, along with the tempting dishes you survey as you take your
place. You are tempted by the trencher of wild boar stuffed with onions and
cabbages to your right. Or maybe you would prefer the spiced apples and damson
tarts.
The minstrels begin to
play a lively tune and a few of the couples grasped hands to join in the
merriment…
Onward they danced, twirling and swaying around the
hall. Laughter filled Ailsa, along with Desmond’s touch. As the minstrels ended
their song, she dipped a curtsy to all.
Fiona handed her a cup of ale. “You were wonderful out
there. I’ve never witnessed my brother dancing. He’s good.”
“Thank ye.” Ailsa drained the cup, relishing the cool
liquid.
Desmond returned holding two plum tarts in his hand.
“By the Gods, these are delicious. Who made them?”
Fiona tried to snatch one from his hand. “Brigid. They’re
a favorite of Duncan’s.”
He shook his finger at her. “Nae. I brought one for
Ailsa.”
Fisting her hands on her hips, Fiona pouted. “But none
for your beloved sister?”
“Ye wound me.” Handing her one, he added, “Ailsa and I
will just have to share this one.”
Pleased with his gesture, Fiona kissed him on the
cheek. Taking the offering, she was about to take a bite, when Alastair
approached from behind her.
“’Tis good to see ye are eating.” He placed his hands
around her waist.
She laughed when he nibbled on her neck.
“Come, Desmond. Let us eat our fare away from the
lovers,” Ailsa suggested and tugged on his arm.
Snorting, he complied and followed her out of the hall
and near the entrance. When he held the treat out to her, Ailsa took a bite.
Closing her eyes, she savored the sweet fruit and
crust. “Mmm…”
“’Tis good.” He whispered softly.
Desmond’s tongue teased the edges of her mouth, and
snapping her eyes open, Ailsa yearned to have him kiss her.
Blurb for A Highland Moon Enchantment ~
You first
meet this warrior in Dragon Knight’s Axe, Order of the Dragon Knights, Book 3
Irish warrior, Desmond O’Quinlan has never surrendered
his heart to any woman. He has no wish to have his soul tortured by love. Yet,
the moment he locks gazes with Ailsa, his fate is destined for an adventure he
never fathomed. He may have battled alongside a Dragon Knight, but his greatest
challenge will come from within his own heart.
Ailsa MacDuff, a warrior among her clan, has no desire
to have a man chain her to a life of obedience. However, that is before she
meets Desmond. The temptation to allow this warrior inside her heart is a risk
she dares to take, but one that could lead to a future of emptiness and
sorrow.
When betrayal looms from within, the battleground of
love is no match for these two warriors. Can the power of a Highland full moon
be strong enough to unite or destroy them?
PLUM TARTS aka…DAMSON
TARTS***
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly
packed
12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (1
1/2 sticks), cut into small pieces
1 egg yolk
2 pounds firm, ripe plums, pitted and
quartered lengthwise
Preheat oven to 400
degrees
Combine the flour,
almonds, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the butter and the egg yolk. Mix by
hand or with an electric mixer, until crumbly.
Press 1 1/2 cups of
the crumb mixture in an even layer into the bottom of a 9 1/2-inch springform
or tart pan. Arrange the plums in the pan, skin side down to form a flower
pattern; begin at the outside and work your way in.
Sprinkle the rest of
the crumb mixture evenly over the plums. Bake the tart for 40 to 50 minutes, or
until it’s lightly browned and the plum juices are bubbling. Remove from the
oven and cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and transfer tart to flat plate.
Serve with a dollop of
whipped cream.
***Damson: A small fruit with
vibrant, dark blue skin and a strong sour flavor. Damsons are similar to plums.
They have a large stone (pit) and are often juicy, but tend not to be eaten raw
due to the tartness of their flesh.
Mary Morgan
Award-winning Celtic Paranormal Romance Author
Where history meets magic!
20 comments:
Lovely post, Mary. Great descriptions of the castle and the celebration. Love the excerpt. And a delicious recipe too. All the best, Cat
What a beautiful picture and description of he Midwinter Feast in Scotland. I am fascinated right now with Scotland and have a male protagonist who is Scottish: a Sheltie named Louie :)
Thank you sharing your excerpt and recipe. Great writing.
Great post, Mary. And that photo is spectacular too. Kudos to your husband's eye--and to your lovely description of a Medieval Midwinter Feast!
What a lovely post! I feel as if I've been whisked away into the far-distant past. I think i'll linger a while... Have a blessed Yule!
Truly enjoyed your post. Loved being whisked away into the past to experience the Midwinter's Feast, just like in the book. Thanks for sharing!
Such a fascinating experience!
You do an excellent job of describing the winter feast. I feel lie I was there. Merry Christmas.
Loved the winter feast; it made me hungry.
Thank you all. I really enjoyed this scene from A Highland Moon Enchantment, my second holiday romance and the return to Urquhart and the Dragon Knights. The photo was taken on my trip last year to Scotland. My wonderful husband let me wander through the ruins of Urquhart for almost four hours that day. He never complained or rushed me. He understood how important this visit meant to me.
Lovely descriptions and a recipe! Thanks!
What a creative and fun post. Thanks so much for sharing!
Oh I remember Urquhart Castle! A wonderful ruin right on the loch. You bring back memories. Merry Christmas!
Candle light and wandering minstrels...what could be better? Have a happy holiday time Mary!
Ahhh, such a great excerpt and recipe. I love how you describe Midwinter Feast, Mary. I'll have to try that recipe for sure. :)
Lovely description. Made me wish to be there to experience it all. The recipe sounds delicious!
Thanks for sharing the recipe. Perfect for the holidays.
You know how it touches my heart every time I see Urquhart Castle Mary!!! You could not have picked a more perfect setting for your stories!
Delightful post, Mary. I could see, smell and taste this world. Will have to try the recipe some time. Cheers!
It’s always a pleasure to step into the world of the Dragon Knights. I shall make a special effort to visit Urquhart castle when I visit Scotland. I’m closer now, so it’s bound to happen!
Wonderful post. I would love to travel there and share a meal.
The recipe sounds awesome. I'll have to try it.
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