Chirac stricken with Hoof in Mouth disease!

On the eve of his meeting Tony Blair and the other European leaders to try to salvage the disaster called The European Union, Jacques Chirac sticks his foot in it. He made some less than flattering remarks about the British to Vladimir Putin and Gerhard Schroeder which were overheard and made public.

"The only thing they have contributed to European agriculture has been the insane cow (referring to mad cow disease)"

"One cannot trust people who have such bad cuisine."

Well spoken by a sophisticated European leader well versed in diplomacy and nuance.

In particular, Liberation reports that he has complained about being expected by Lord Robertson, the British former general secretary of NATO, to eat an unspecified "Scottish delicacy" (we guess he meant haggis, which has always been wasted on unsophisticated palates).

Now, his choice of words may have been regrettable, even stupid, one might claim. However, his target for this last was, in my opinion, well chosen. To wit;

Traditional Haggis

1 sheep's pluck (stomach bag)
2 lb.. dry oatmeal
1 lb. suet (raw beef or sheep's fat)
1 lb. lamb's liver
2 1/2 cups stock (Enron stock could be sacrificed here)
1 large chopped onion
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, Jamaica pepper and salt

Boil liver and parboil the onion, then mince them together. Lightly brown the oatmeal. Mix all ingredients together. Fill the sheep's pluck with the mixture pressing it down to remove all the air, and sew up securely. Prick the haggis in several places so that it does not burst (it wouldn't do to have a sheep's stomach explode on your stovetop, now would it?). Place haggis in boiling water and boil slowly for 4-5 hours. Serves approximately 12.

Gaaack! Serves approximately 12 what? Neanderthals? Conan and his barbarians? No wonder the English fought so desperately against William Wallace - who would want this added to the daily fare? Now I understand why the Scots are not the least bit self conscious about wearing skirts. Only big hairy men in skirts and no underwear would eat this stuff.

Linked To: Pejman - QUOI?
Joe Gandelman - with photo of disease symptoms
UnCorrelated - Chirac steps in it (in haggis?)
Betsy's Page - the master of diplomatic decorum and class.
USS Neverdock - France - Chirac: Mad Cow Jibe