Which is the Best Milk Stout?

[julesapple]

My mum has asked me to make Clootie Dumpling for my Dad. They're coming to us for Christmas. I think the last time he had it has to be 40 years or so ago, when my Granny made it for him at home in Sutherland, and she's been gone 35 years now.

I've found a great recipe published a long time ago in The Sunday Post, and it says to use milk or milk stout. I fancy the Stout option, but I know nothing of beers/ales, so which would be the tastiest brand to use?

Also, I'd like to make the dumpling well in advance as time is tight for the next month. Does it freeze?

Jules

PS Hope this isn't in the wrong place!

[Scarlet]

I haven't made it but my Scottish Step Dad who has badgered me for years to make it, says to use Mackeson ( I use Guiness in my Christmas pud -pretty similar) and it should keep for two months after steaming - wrap it in greaseproof paper

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

Jules, you've brought back memories for me The only stout I can remember is/was made by Tennents, which my Aunty Jean used to drink whilst making a clootie. My recipe does not use Stout, sorry but is fairly alcoholic so has good storage. As for freezing, I think you will need to slice then freeze but why not when you can freeze fruit loaf etc.

[smallblueplanet]

We put this is ours - you may have to drink the left overs!

Oxford Bottled Beer Database: Robinson's Old Tom

Robinsons - Brewing Excellence

But Guinness will be okay too.

[Scarlet]

I've just googled and found this - I think I'm going to give it a go
http://www.electricscotland.com/food...s/dumpling.jpg

[cardiffsteve]

Just as an aside..

Why do homeless people drink Tennents?

Ill get my coat

[julesapple]

Have I started a Clootie making craze? That would be so cool.

I've decided to dig out the ice cream maker and make a whisky ice cream to go with it. I've got some Caol Isla, some smokey Laphroig or some 17 year old Ardbeg to go in it, although my Dad's favourite is his local Glenmorangie from Tain.

Jules

[Scarlet]

Have I started a Clootie making craze? That would be so cool.

Yep - I'm in, but I'm gonna use guiness

[bearded bloke]

I've decided to dig out the ice cream maker and make a whisky ice cream to go with it. I've got some Caol Isla, some smokey Laphroig or some 17 year old Ardbeg to go in it,

I would like to offer a sampling service

[veggiechicken]

Just as an aside..

Why do homeless people drink Tennents?

Ill get my coat

Because its on the House?

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

I'm making a clootie for Christmas Day with thick, chewy, leathery skin - yum

[Florence Fennel]

Don't think I'm making a clootie, but thanks for the memory of my paternal old grandmother who had a Milk Stout and Tonic every day and when asked why she would answer "It looks good, it tastes good and by golly it does you good"!

[Potstubsdustbins]

My two favourite stouts are Brains and Hook Norton double stout both good strong tasting beers.

Colin

[veggiechicken]

I'm making a clootie for Christmas Day with thick, chewy, leathery skin - yum

That's enough to put me off ever wanting any. Shame, really, as I fancied it before I read about The SKIN!! Yuk!! I can't stand custard and blancmange either because of The SKIN. I expect they are but pale imitations of a Clootie's SKIN.

[julesapple]

That's enough to put me off ever wanting any. Shame, really, as I fancied it before I read about The SKIN!! Yuk!! I can't stand custard and blancmange either because of The SKIN. I expect they are but pale imitations of a Clootie's SKIN.

It's more a chewy crust, nothing like custard or blancmange skin. OMG blancmange....bleurghh!

Jules