Crumbs! Scotland’s National Chef takes the biscuit for Mary’s Meals

Gary Maclean celebrates National Biscuit Day by asking people to support charity 

This National Biscuit Day (Monday 29 May), celebrity chef Gary Maclean is calling on people to raise some dough by supporting the school feeding charity Mary’s Meals. 

Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals to more than 2.4 million children in 18 of the world’s poorest countries – including Ethiopia, Syria and South Sudan. The promise of a daily meal attracts children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and hope for the future.  

Gary, winner of 2016’s MasterChef: The Professionals, is supporting the charity’s Raise Some Dough campaign, which asks people to host a fundraising bake sale to help feed hungry children. 

The National Chef of Scotland says: “Today may be National Biscuit Day but, like many people, I enjoy a biscuit all year round. 

“That’s why baking is such a great way to raise money for Mary’s Meals – and to put a smile on the face of not only your friends, family and colleagues, but also the hungry children who rely on this wonderful charity.” 

People across the UK can download a free Raise Some Dough fundraising pack from the charity’s website, which includes a book packed full of tasty biscuit recipes from some of the UK’s favourite celebrities – including Stephen Fry, Dame Joanna Lumley, Ellie Taylor, Rosemary Shrager and Judy Murray. 

The charity will also send bakers a free mug-shaped cookie cutter, based on the mugs from which many children eat their daily serving of Mary’s Meals.  

It costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year, which means every penny raised through baking will help to transform young lives around the world. 

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “£19.15 can buy you 14 packets of chocolate digestives or 35 packs of my personal favourite, the ginger snap! It is also enough to feed a hungry child every day for a school year with Mary’s Meals. 

“By taking part in Raise Some Dough, you can enjoy biscuits with your friends and family, while feeding children in some of the world’s poorest countries. So please get baking!” 

Last November, Mary’s Meals ran a UK-wide survey which found that the digestive is the country’s favourite biscuit for dunking in a cuppa. 

The survey also revealed that one in three people have dunked their biscuit in someone else’s cuppa (33%); just 12% of respondents said they never dunk biscuits, with a further 12% saying they don’t eat biscuits. 

To order your free Raise Some Dough fundraising pack, please visit: marysmeals.org.uk/raise  

Gary Maclean’s Ginger Snap recipe 

You’ll need: 

300g Plain flour  
50g Fine oatmeal  
175g Soft brown sugar 
100g Unsalted butter  
1 Egg  
4 tbsp Golden syrup 
1 tsp Bicarbonate of soda  
2 tsp Ground ginger  
This recipe works just as well with gluten free flour and non-dairy butter. 

Method: 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F. 
  2. Sieve the flour, ground ginger and bicarbonate of soda in mixing bowl. 
  3. Add the fine oatmeal, next dice the butter and rub into the flour mix until crumbly. 
  4. Next, add the soft brown sugar, golden syrup and egg, mix well until it forms a firm doughy mixture. 
  5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ cm 1/8 inch thick. 
  6. Cut to your required size and place onto a non-stick tray. 
  7. Pop the tray into the preheated oven.
  8. Remove after 7 to 10 minutes or when golden.
  9. Cool and then serve. 

‘Mortons Rolls worthy of more than a Lorne’, says top chef Gary Maclean – and Aldi agrees

This week Masterchef winner and acclaimed Scottish chef, Gary Maclean, made an outstanding claim that ‘masterpiece’ Mortons rolls were deserving of more than just a classic lorne sausage, and Aldi Scotland agrees.  

Adding to the debate, the leading value supermarket has lined up three of its top selling products it thinks are worthy of Scotland’s favourite crispy roll. 

Nature’s Glen Scotch Beef Rump Steak 30 Day Matured 255 – £3.79 

Nothing says ‘upgrade’ more than a steak, and at everyday amazing Aldi prices it’s a top contender for a Mortons sarnie.  

This prime cut is the perfect substitute for your slice, and at only £3.79 shoppers are not picking between price and quality. 

Finesse with a dash of mustard to create your Mortons A La Mode.  

Macaulay’s Smoked Ham Hough 850g – £2.75 

Smokey, succulent and sweet, this Macaulay’s Ham Hough falls off the bone, creating a filling worthy of Scotland’s top chef. The producer is one of 90 Scottish suppliers working with Aldi to bring the best of Scotland’s larder to it’s customers. 

Even better, its big enough to feed 4, meaning the whole family can enjoy.  


The Fishmonger Marinated Gravadlax with Sweet Mustard & Dill Dressing – £1.99 

Aldi Smoked Salmon slices which come in a punchy, yet light mustard and dill dressing, are the perfect posh bite for those looking for some ‘roll reversal’. 

For just £1.99, it will add a layer of luxury to your lunch for no more than the cost of a roll at your local van. 

You can find you nearest Aldi here.  

St James Quarter is the ‘plaice’ to be this weekend with its first ever Seafood Festival

Forget the catch of the day, St James Quarter has a number of exciting activities lined up as it gears up for its first ever Edinburgh Seafood Festival, in partnership with Seafood Scotland, featuring some fin-tastic collaborations.

Taking place Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th October, from 12noon to 7pm each day, foodies will have the chance to drop into a series of intimate events from sushi making with Maki & Ramen, Seaside Gin tasting and pairing with The Oysterman and Japanese roll sessions with Harajuku Kitchen.

Attendees can head to the ‘Seafood Dome’ located on St James Square throughout the weekend and enjoy a variety of cooking demonstrations suitable for all ages.

Join MasterChef winner Gary Maclean on Saturday 23rd October from 12noon, where the Scottish National Chef will explore an array of seafood the Scottish larder has to offer and take part in an exclusive Q&A session with him.

And it doesn’t stop there, those ‘trout and about’ can enjoy  freshly shucked oysters from The Oysterman from Friday to Sunday and live music from Edinburgh Jazz & Blues throughout the weekend.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We promised something new and exciting every week and that’s exactly what we are delivering.

“We know from the success of our food and beverage brands just how much customers love culinary experiences, so we’re extremely excited to be partnering with Seafood Scotland to present our first ever Seafood Festival this weekend.

“From sushi making with Maki & Ramen to educational sessions with MasterChef winner Gary Maclean – there really is something for everyone to enjoy!”

Clare MacDougall, Head of Trade Marketing (Middle East, North America and UK) at Seafood Scotland added: “At Seafood Scotland we are always looking for ways to showcase the range of quality products we have in Scottish waters and being part of St James Quarter’s first Seafood Festival will help us do just that.

“Head along to learn more about what you can do with different types of seafood and you’ll be in for a treat if you spot The Oysterman as he will be shucking fresh oysters and serving them to you with a pairing of your choice.”

To celebrate the Seafood Festival, St James Quarter is offering all customers half price car parking from 5:30pm every night until Sunday 31st October.

So, ‘sea’ it for yourself, head to the St James Quarter’s social channels for more info: @stjamesquarter