Page 35 of A Flower for Angus

“Traditional haggis uses heart, liver, and lungs of the sheep,” Lucerne explained, giggling at Poppy’s disgusted look. “But for tonight, we are just using the heart and liver which we will mix with toasted oats, suet, onions and spices. I’m leaving off the casing which is typically from the sheep’s stomach. I don’t want to overwhelm ye and honestly, there are many versions of haggis from easy and simple to completely traditional which can be harder to make at home.

“My mother taught me many wonderful American and Louisiana dishes to cook as well, and haggis can be similar to what Americans make as traditional meatloaf, except different meat. Ye can even use chicken or turkey hearts and livers to make a haggis if ye wanted to. Do ye like chicken livers or hearts?”

“I like breaded chicken livers that you can buy from Colonel Sanders,” Poppy replied helpfully. “The gizzards are horrible.”

Lucerne laughed. “Aye, I liked those livers too, and so did my mother, but my dad didn’t care much for them like that.”

Poppy screwed up her nose. “Sam, my first husband, always liked the giblet gravy at Thanksgiving to go on his noodles and mashed potatoes. I never cared for it, but I made it for him.”

By the time they had the potatoes and turnips mashed, the loaf of haggis had finished its final cooking round and had a nice loaf shape that could be cut into slices. “You’re right, it is similar to making meat loaf. Sam always liked to put ketchup on his meatloaf though.”

Lucerne nodded. “Aye, some of my American cousins like that too, but don’t even mention putting ketchup on haggis,” she replied with a giggle. “I think Angus and Darro might have a heart attack.”

“Is that so?” asked Poppy, mischief bubbling inside her.

“Don’t even think it,” Lucerne warned, but her eyes were dancing. The sudden pounding of feet had them turning to see Corey bursting into the kitchen.

“What did I say about running?” Lucerne scolded the 7-year-old affectionately and ruffled his blond hair.

“Sorry, Aunt Lucerne,” Corey piped up, his little nose sniffing the air eagerly. “We could smell haggis cooking and it’s making us hungry!”

Delilah came in at a more sedate pace. “I told him to walk but he doesn’t always listen to me,” she added, looking down her nose at her brother.

Poppy smiled at the children. They were both blond-haired, and blue-eyed, with polite manners for the most part. It was plain who was boss in their relationship, but Delilah was also very protective of her little brother. Losing both their parents at the same time couldn’t have been easy for any of the family, but she’d been impressed that Darro had elected to raise his brother’s children. It had also impressed her that Lucerne had been willing to marry into a ready-made family. These were exceptional people though, and she was grateful they had been so kind to her.

“Dinner is almost ready, go wash yer hands,” Lucerne instructed as she and Poppy set the table. “Yer uncle should be here anytime.”

She’d no sooner spoken the words when Poppy heard the back door open. When she heard two sets of feet coming down the small entryway, her heart leaped. Angus was eating with them tonight. Her lips curled in a mischievous smile.

Like the children, Angus came in sniffing. She did like his hair neatly cut close to his head and the scruffy beard shaved off better than when she’d first met him. He was a very handsome man without all the grizzle. He’d flushed slightly when Darro had given him grief about finally cleaning up for the new housekeeper, but he’d taken it well, giving as good as he got right back at his boss. They did seem really close.

“The haggis smells delicious, Lucerne,” Angus remarked, but his eyes were on Poppy. “Did ye make it or did Poppy?”

“I instructed and Poppy did the work,” Lucerne replied.

Darro walked over and gave Lucerne a kiss. “Whoever did what, it smells wonderful as usual.”

Angus sauntered over to Poppy. “I’d give ye a kiss too, but I don’t want to embarrass ye,” he teased in her ear. He did give her a hug though, which Poppy enjoyed. His strong body against hers made her knees tremble. She was relieved he didn’t kiss her. She didn’t know exactly what they were yet, but whatever it was, she wanted it to be private between her and Angus for now.

The kids came rushing in, excited to see their uncle and he scooped them up in his long arms. “Uncle Darro!”

“Umph...ye two are getting to be quite a handful together,” he teased them, giving them a bear hug with his arms around them both while they squealed with laughter. He set them back on the floor and landed a playful pat on both their backsides to hurry them to the table. “Get to yer seats and let’s eat.”

After they were seated and everyone had a plate, Poppy jumped up. “Oh...I almost forgot.” She rushed to the fridge and came back with a bottle of ketchup and set it on the table.

Angus eyed it suspiciously. “What’s the ketchup fer?”

Poppy feigned surprise. “Why, the haggis of course. It’s sort of like American meatloaf and some people like ketchup with meatloaf.” She picked up the bottle and held it out to him.

Angus recoiled in horror, his eyebrows reaching for the sky and both hands in the air.

Even Darro and the kids were staring wide-eyed like they were watching a trainwreck they couldn’t look away from as Poppy shrugged and shook the bottle. A quick glance told her Lucerne was hiding a smile behind her hand as Poppy poured a small puddle of ketchup beside her slice of haggis.

“Darro, are ye seein’ this, lad?” Angus asked in disbelief.

When what sounded like a snicker from Lucerne turned into a cough, Darro’s eyes narrowed. “I think we’re being played, Angus,” he replied, a smile hovering around his lips as Lucerne couldn’t hold it in anymore.

Poppy joined her in laughter. “You should have seen your faces; you were right, Lucerne. That was too funny.”

---