Seasonal food and drink to savour this autumn and winter

It's official. We have entered cosy season. It's time to dig out your jumpers, open the red wine and embrace this chillier time of year. The transition from summer to autumn is one of our favourite times of year - the way the colour of the landscape shifts from green to red and orange. Those sunny yet chilly days - perfect for a countryside walk followed by a hot drink by the fire.

But our favourite part of autumn and winter in Scotland? It's got to be the food and drink. Get comfy and read on to discover the best seasonal food and drink to savour this autumn and winter.

Cullen Skink

Kicking off our list is a true Scottish classic, cullen skink. The name of this dish is split in two, each word having its own meaning. ‘Cullen’ is the name of the town in northeast Scotland where the soup originates from. ‘Skink’ is the Scottish word that refers to the shin, knuckle, or hough of beef.

Cullen skink is a renowned for its rich and creamy texture. Made using smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, milk or cream, butter, and leek, the best cullen skinks come served with a warm crusty bread roll and melted butter - simply delicious, and a wonderful way to warm you up after a day in the great outdoors.

Watch out for our Arbroath Smokie Cullen Skink on the menu in The Scullery.

Slices of medium-rare roasted beef arranged on a dark slate surface, showcasing a juicy pink center and a seared brown crust.

Game Meats

Autumn and winter are prime seasons for game meats. Venison is considered the best of the best by many when it comes to game meat, and is perfect for enjoying in the colder months, served simply with a red wine sauce. Rich in haem iron, your body can easily absorb venison and turn it into energy, ideal for restoring yourself after a hiking adventure.

Red grouse is another favourite for the colder months, largely due to its nutty flavour which intensifies in the colder months. It’s delicious when paired with potatoes, steamed vegetables, and bread sauce. Give it a try next time you see it on the menu.

Hot Chocolate

An obvious choice, but a very important one, you can't let the autumn and winter pass by without curling up with a hot chocolate. Wonderful enjoyed by the fire, whether indoors or out, with the addition of a marshmallow or two.

We may be biased, but we can't imagine a better spot to enjoy a warming hot chocolate than overlooking the trees from the comfort of one of your Woodland Lodges, or by the fire in one of our Escape Pods. Dreamy.

A glass of whiskey being poured from a bottle, placed on a wooden barrel against a dark background. The golden liquid creates ripples as it fills the clear glass.

Whisky

Is there anything more warming than a wee dram of whisky? Synonymous with Scotland, a drop of whisky will warm you up from the inside on a chilly winter day. When accompanied by gorgeous countryside views and an open fire, you’ll have all the ingredients for a cosy night in.

For the ultimate winter warmer, make it a hot toddy. Hot toddy is made by mixing whisky, a bit of hot water, some honey, a splash of lemon juice and a cinnamon stick.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding has long been a firm favourite on menus in Scotland. Traditionally made with dates, modern versions often feature hints of ginger or chocolate sauce. Served hot, with ice cream, custard, or clotted cream, desserts don't get more hearty and wholsome than this.

You'll often find Sticky Toffee Pudding on the dessert menu in The Scullery. Served with a rich toffee sauce, honeycomb ice-cream and Chantily cream, it's the ultimate way to end a hearty seasonal meal.

Savour the season at Forbes of Kingennie

You're invited to savour the flavours of autumn and winter with your whole clan at Forbes of Kingennie. Our dishes are made using quality and organic ingredients. We source locally and use our homegrown produce to enhance the taste of our meals and serve honest Scottish dining. Book your table in The Scullery Restaurant today.