THE RITUAL
First footing (or the first foot over the door) still remains a strong tradition in Scotland on Hogmanay.
The ritual is said to bring luck to the house for the year ahead. The tradition states that the first person over your door should be dark haired and bring with them gifts of shortbread, coal and whisky.
Each of these elements is brought to life in the A Night on Earth in Scotland serving ritual.
TO EXPERIENCE
It is suggested that one finger or round of each of these tri-flavoured shortbread is served along with a dram of A Night on Earth in Scotland.
Head Chef Pawel Sowa at The Macallan Estate has created three versions of a classic Scottish shortbread that are then combined into a layered cookie, each of which represent an element of the first footing tradition.
THE METHOD FOR ALL SHORTBREAD RECIPES
Step 1
ALMOND SHORTBREAD
Represents the shortbread that would be gifted
1250g unsalted butter, softened
550g caster sugar, plus extra to finish
1600g plain flour
200g ground almonds
Step 2
CHOCOLATE AND ORANGE SHORTBREAD
Represents the dark haired person who would “first foot” after the stroke of midnight
1225g butter, softened
595g golden caster sugar
1400g plain flour
14 tbsp cocoa powder
700g dark chocolate
Zest of 3 oranges
Step 3
CHARCOAL SHORTBREAD
Represents the coal that the “first footer” would bring
1250g unsalted butter, softened
550g caster sugar, plus extra to finish
1600g plain flour
200g active charcoal powder
Start