I visited Aldi to buy more of their delicious Lamb Shanks, but they had sold-out of the 'wine sauce' ones; then I spotted THIS (below).
Having been around when 'Duck à l'Orange' became fashionable in UK bistros (in the trendy 1960's), I was pleasantly surprised to see these in the same freezer compartment as the Lamb. I put my confidence in Aldi, and presumed that they would be as good as the Lamb Shanks. They are from the same producer.
The two pieces of Duck come in the same pouch, surrounded by fat; in fact they look very much like the vacuum packed Confit de Canard that we often buy in France. The Orange sauce comes in a separate sachet that is added half way through cooking. I found it all slightly suspect looking.
Again I put a few spuds in the oven to roast, then put the Duck in separately a while later to complete an hour's total cooking time.
This (below) was the result. The Duck itself was excellent and just £2.99 for the TWO Duck Legs. The next time I buy them I shall serve them as a Chinese style dish, with Rice and Beansprouts maybe. As pleasant as they are, roast potatoes are not right.
People moan about everything being so expensive these days, but at just £1.50 per person for a very pleasant meal; it's almost daylight robbery. I shall certainly be keeping a few packets of these in the freezer from now on; although I shall not follow their instructions.
Whatever will I discover next?..... Any suggestions gratefully received.
Verdict: 8/10. They need some 'culinary imagination'.
I'm surprised again at what you find in your freezer section there. Sounds delicious and if you say it's good then I'm sure it is.
ReplyDeleteOur frozen section has cheese pies, icecream, frozen peas and little else
I've been very surprised too. Both the Lamb and the Duck have only appeared this year. Both are good!
DeleteI haven't had Duck a L'orange for yonks, but one of the nicest meals I had hundreds of years ago in a local pub was Duck in Peach and Brandy Sauce, it was delicious.
ReplyDeleteI should imagine that that was quite similar, the sweetness goes very well with Duck.
DeleteThe real problem with Aldi, as you have discovered, is that you find something nice and then it disappears, never to be seen again.
ReplyDeleteThat annoys me about my supermarket in France (Leclerc). I used to buy wonderful frozen Hake (fish), but it has now disappeared. I really miss it. Maybe this year.......
DeleteWhatever will I discover next?...Perhaps the soles of your feet. Have you ever seen them? But foodwise....how about homemade Yorkshire puddings? They are most delightful and tasty but I am sorry to advise that they will not rise for southerners - not even their women.
ReplyDeleteSadly I can't afford a pukka Roast Beef joint, so no YP's. My late aunt from Shropshire made the BEST EVER YP's. I still dream about them.
DeleteI wonder if Aunt Cynthia made me?
DeleteWe buy a similar duck in orange sauce from Tesco but it's far more expensive. No Aldi over here.
ReplyDeleteWhen I do my shopping, I tend to follow a very strict LIST, so I miss a lot of things. I had no idea these Duck and Lamb frozen dishes were available. They're very good.
DeleteI shall look out for these as I've enjoyed the lamb shank (but not the getting the cooking pan clean again afterwards!)
ReplyDeleteIs it duck that comes in some sort of Chinese pancake? or spring roll maybe?
They are two duck legs that seem to have been cooked in their own fat, like Confit de Canard. One could use them for almost anything.
DeleteOakhurst is the Aldi premium brand. We always have duck legs in the freezer, think they are tastier than duck breast.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting; I didn't know. Duck breasts are best BBQ'd.
DeleteHere, Aldi often has items for a short time, then not at all of months, then back in stock again. Stock up when you find something you like.
ReplyDeleteI think that's wise advice. I shall also take things out of their boxes, as they take-up too much space in the freezer.
DeleteOn your recommendation I looked for these this morning on my weekly visit to Aldi......They had them, but also the same in Hoisin Sauce, which is the one I purchased.
ReplyDeleteI think you probably did the right thing. Served with rice, I'm sure it'll be better. I hope you enjoy it.
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