Lowtide
Galley Essentials with Amanda
The Isle of Muck, Little did I know
at two miles wide, that the small Craft
is the smallest of the Shop and Tea Room
“four small islands” of is a happening place
the Inner Hebrides on of Scottish renown
Scotland’s west coast. and the focal point of
As we approached the Muck community
the tiny harbour of w h i c h n u m b e r
Port Mor, a running around thirty. Nearly
ground swell made everyone contributes
the inlet too rolly and to its running, either by
tight for Mahina Tiare. helping out in the tea
We quickly studied the room, creating woolen
Imray cruising guide crafts and art to sell,
finding a more suitable growing fresh produce
spot at Gallanach on the north side of the
Mucking Around
in their gardens, fishing, or lending
isle. We were not alone in the anchorage a hand on the MacEwen’s farm. I
and with a chilly wind blowing, we spent should also mention that they also hold
the evening sharing Cauliflower Cheese
on Muck
intensive craft courses. We were treated
Soup with the neighboring yacht. On to a delicious morning tea on the lawn
charter from Isle of Skye Yachts, this by Amanda Swan Neal overlooking the village while chatting to
crew of old varsity chums, sans wives, the most interesting of passengers and
were on a hiking holiday throughout old farm road delightful and admired lecturers for the expedition ship.
the isles. fat, fluffy sheep as they lounged on the I was not leaving the Tea Room
roadway, cows munching on seaweed
empty handed and after choosing some
Cauliflower and Cheese Soup on the white sandy beach and comical quirky knitted socks, I also purchased
1 onion highland ponies galloping along the fresh bread, duck eggs for salmon
2 garlic cloves grassy shoreline. Upon returning to roulade, and lamb from their selection
3 tablespoons butter the dinghy, Barrie, one of our crew, of Muck raised lamb and pork. Ruth
1 cauliflower - finely chopped was noticeably wet. He apparently Harland kindly gave me their popular
1 tablespoon grain mustard incorporates a secret “Full Monty” swim Carrot Cake recipe. If you’re looking for
4 cups boiling water into his morning workout…burr. a gem of an island to muck around on
¼ cup double cream We were not the only yachts in or perhaps stay a while in a cottage to
½ cup grated cheddar cheese the bay anymore as a small, classic watch puffins, I couldn’t recommend a
fresh flat leaf parsley - chopped expedition cruise ship had anchored more inviting place than Muck.
splash of whiskey astern of Mahina Tiare. The Hebridean
Heat butter in a large pan, add onion Princess then proceeded to launch large Smoked Salmon and Herb Roulade
and garlic and sauté 3 minutes. Add inflatables that landed at a portable dock 3 duck eggs - separated
cauliflower, stir in boiling water and at the beach. Kath, Barrie’s wife, had ¼ cup flour
bring back to the boil. Reduce heat and us wondering if Queen Elizabeth was 2 tablespoons butter
simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in mustard aboard as that Britannia is no longer in ¾ cup warm milk
and cheese. Stir in cream and blend in service, the Queen had rented the entire ¼ freshly grated Parmesan cheese
processor if possible. Season to taste ship (49 berths) two years earlier for 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
and add whiskey. Garnish with parsley. her 80th birthday cruise of Scotland’s 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Serves 4. west coast. ⅔ cup crème fraìche
Our hopes of seeing Queenie were
¼ lb smoked salmon coarsely chopped
The following early morning dashed when the inflatables were loaded salt and pepper
dawned calm, clear and warm and with assorted bodies (definitely ancient Melt butter in a saucepan, blend in
John and I were joined in the dinghy by tourists). Our crew wasn’t too keen to go flour and cook over a low heat to make
three of our crew for the ferry ashore to ashore now the island was going to be a a thick paste. Gradually stir in milk,
go running. We all took off at different zoo. I pointed out that the tea house at whisking as it thickens, cook for 1-2
paces down the only road assuming it Port Mor would for sure be open and I minutes to make a thick sauce. Stir in
would lead to Port Mor. We found the was right! the egg yolks, two-thirds of the cheese,
48° No r t h , Se p t e m b e r 2009 pa g e 40
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