Anyone reluctant to leave British shores on account of their fear of being deprived of their favourite bar snack can now think again.
English Pork Scratchings have been a favourite of mine for years; I'm talking of those fatty ones which usually come with a few errant bristles. The ideal accompaniment to a pint of bitter.
These may not be the perfect alternative, but they're pretty good; and (for purists) they do come with the occasional tiny feather.
.Duck Scratchings are a relative newcomer to French gastronomy. As far as I'm aware they first appeared about 5 years ago.
I notice on the very bottom of the label it says that they should be eaten rapidement after opening; what else would they expect? The above have now gone.
Not everyone's cup of tea; I know.
Yes, but what are they? Small pieces of crisp duck skin?
ReplyDeleteWith bits of meat attached.... one really shouldn't ask such questions!
DeleteThey're really common in English supermarkets now hanging on little hooks in the drinks aisle. I like them but resist - a saturated fat fest too far!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, but my teeth can no longer manage the sometimes flint-like bits.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I agree with cumbrian above - they are just too hard for me to tackle now but I used to love them.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not I have never eaten them.
ReplyDeleteAbout time you did, young lady... you might even like them.
DeleteI love pork scratchings. They're my treat with a goodly pint of locally brewed ale or three when I've been morris dancing. Arilx
ReplyDeleteYou're making me homesick.
DeleteI quite fancied pork scratchings until I read the phrase'the occasional bristle' - that has put me off for life. Didn't think I liked duck much but did have smoked duck salad one night in the hotel last week as a starter - and it was delicious. Haven't seen the scratchings here though and as I gained four pounds on my holiday they would be off the menu for a week or two anyway.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that there was no calorie count on the packet!!!
DeleteA mate of mine used to look out for 'the lucky nipple'.
ReplyDeleteIt's the bristles that I never liked.
DeleteThe chef at our local makes his own pork crackling from pigs skins but he is having trouble getting the pigs skins at the moment …… I'm suffering withdrawl symptoms. I did buy some from Waitrose but they were nothing like the real thing ….. yours look pretty good though …. that's French cuisine for you !! XXXX
ReplyDeleteThere are some that are like Prawn Crackers, and others that are more fatty and rustic; it's the latter that I used to like.
DeleteI think something like that is a treat in the south. I am glad I live in the north. I'd rather have a cookie,
ReplyDeletePork scratchings; the north/south divide!
DeleteNipples, bristles, feathers - makes me want to wretch.
ReplyDeleteYou don't know what you're missing!
Delete...alwqays eaten rapidement over here too....yum!!
ReplyDeleteAlmost got arrested at Bangor Maine airport in '79 for smuggling several packets of Pork Scratchings into the country - my boyfriend's cousin was living in the USA and had withdrawal symptoms. (Cycled to Besse today and was given a VIP tour of the church by the cutest little dog.)
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased to hear that the church was open. Did you give the dog a tip?
DeleteI do enjoy a good scratching but can't help thinking of the calories as I'm munching.
ReplyDeleteThe two words (scratching and Calorie) should never be used in the same breath.
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