Wondering what Tartan Day is? Simply put, it’s a celebration of Scottish heritage that takes place on April 6, so if you have any Scottish blood in you, it’s time to celebrate! Typically celebrated with pipe bands, Highland dancing, and other Scottish-inspired events, it’s a day of celebration among those who claim Scottish and Scotch-Irish roots. In the United States there are millions of people of Scottish descent, so it must make for a big celebration!
National Tartan Day, typically observed annually in the United States on April 6, commemorates the Scottish Declaration of Independence, which was signed in 1320. This was the declaration that the American Declaration of Independence was modeled on. The ideal time to recognize achievements of Americans of Scottish descent, Tartan Day has become a nationwide event where communities celebrate famous Scots such as Alexander Fleming (discovered penicillin), Alexander Graham Bell (invented the telephone), Robert Burns (national poet of Scotland), J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter author), and Andy Murray (tennis champion), among many others.
On the local level, Tartan Day is being celebrated this Saturday, April 11, from 2 to 4 pm at the West Tisbury library; all ages welcome. Members of the Scottish Society of Martha’s Vineyard (SSMV) are invited to bring a small dish of their choice to share. As part of the celebration, the SSMV will also be holding their third annual Shortbread Contest. Do you have a special shortbread recipe that might tip the prize? Participants are encouraged to bake their signature shortbread and bring for all to vote for their favorite.
Want to get in the Scottish spirit? Get in the kitchen and cook traditional recipes such as scones, toasties, or haggis, or keep it simple by making this recipe for shortbread infused with fresh lavender!
Lavender Shortbread
Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 dozen small cookies
Slightly adapted from King Arthur Flour’s The Baker’s Companion, these shortbread cookies will become your go-to recipe!
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2.25 ounces granulated sugar
½ tsp fine sea salt
3 tsps freshly dried lavender buds
1 tsp Fiori di Sicilia extract (buy online at King Arthur Flour Co.)
4 ounces all-purpose unbleached flour
Preheat oven to 300°F. Spray a baking sheet with oil. Set aside.
Cream butter, sugar, salt, lavender buds, and extract for 3 minutes on high speed. Add flour and mix until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
Make into a round and cover in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Roll out onto floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll to desired thickness and cut with a small circle cutter (or shape of choice). Place on baking sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven. Let cool before serving.