Thursday, 28 May 2015

Itching for Scratchings?



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.


24 comments:

Judith said...

Yes, but what are they? Small pieces of crisp duck skin?

Cro Magnon said...

With bits of meat attached.... one really shouldn't ask such questions!

lovelygrey said...

They'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!

cumbrian said...

Very nice, but my teeth can no longer manage the sometimes flint-like bits.

elaine said...

I'm afraid I agree with cumbrian above - they are just too hard for me to tackle now but I used to love them.

New World said...

Believe it or not I have never eaten them.

Aril said...

I love pork scratchings. They're my treat with a goodly pint of locally brewed ale or three when I've been morris dancing. Arilx

The Weaver of Grass said...

I 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.

Cro Magnon said...

I noticed that there was no calorie count on the packet!!!

Cro Magnon said...

You're making me homesick.

Cro Magnon said...

About time you did, young lady... you might even like them.

Tom Stephenson said...

A mate of mine used to look out for 'the lucky nipple'.

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

The 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

Cro Magnon said...

It's the bristles that I never liked.

Cro Magnon said...

There are some that are like Prawn Crackers, and others that are more fatty and rustic; it's the latter that I used to like.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I think something like that is a treat in the south. I am glad I live in the north. I'd rather have a cookie,

Cro Magnon said...

Pork scratchings; the north/south divide!

donna baker said...

Nipples, bristles, feathers - makes me want to wretch.

Gerry Snape said...

...alwqays eaten rapidement over here too....yum!!

Cro Magnon said...

You don't know what you're missing!

Sue said...

Almost 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.)

Anna of Mutton Style and Years said...

I do enjoy a good scratching but can't help thinking of the calories as I'm munching.

Cro Magnon said...

I'm pleased to hear that the church was open. Did you give the dog a tip?

Cro Magnon said...

The two words (scratching and Calorie) should never be used in the same breath.

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