Shock as charity reveals the Brussels sprout is not Scotland’s favourite Christmas side dish!

Mary’s Meals has revealed that Scotland’s favourite Christmas side dish is not the Brussels sprout!

The shocking news comes after people in Scotland were asked what side they prefer with their Christmas dinner. Roast potatoes claimed victory with almost a third of the vote, pigs in blankets came second (23 per cent) and the seasonal sprout scraped in at third place (20 per cent).

This December, Mary’s Meals is hosting a virtual Christmas dinner raising funds to feed hungry children around the world. 

Michelin star chef Tom Kitchin has come out in staunch support of the Brussels sprout. He said: “Brussels sprouts are really versatile, they can be braised, fried, boiled or roasted. I always add bacon and chestnuts or turkey jus for extra flavour.

“As well as being the season for sprouts, this is the season for sharing. I’ve set my place at Mary’s Meals’ virtual Christmas dinner and I hope people in Scotland will too.”

Mary’s Meals feeds more than 1.5 million children every school day in some of the world’s poorest countries, including Malawi, India and Haiti. The promise of a nutritious meal attracts them into the classroom, where they receive an education that can, in the future, be their ladder out of poverty.

Daniel Adams, UK Executive Director of Mary’s Meals, said: “Our virtual Christmas dinner brings together people from around the globe who believe that every child deserves an education and enough to eat.

“Thanks to the kindness of those who set a place, we can continue to reach children living in some of the world’s poorest countries with our life-changing school meals. I can’t think of a better gift to give or receive this Christmas.”

For just £13.90 – enough to feed a child every day for an entire school year – supporters can set a place at Mary’s Meals’ virtual Christmas dinner table for their friends and family. Their name will appear online and they will receive a digital placemat to pass on as a gift.

To find out more, please visit marysmeals.org.uk/Christmas

The secret to brilliant Brussels sprouts, from Tom Kitchin Always buy Brussels sprouts from your local farmer Wait until after the first frost when sprouts are at their best If you are boiling the sprouts make sure to season the water well

To find out more about the work of Mary’s Meals please visit marysmeals.org.uk