Smoked kippers, scrambled eggs with wholemeal bread and lashings of proper butter! That, right there, is one of my all time favourite breakfasts. I have a lot of time for smoked products, whether it is smoked chillies or sauces. And it’s such a fine art to get the balance right – over smoke it and the product tastes like ash – under smoke it and, well, what’s the point?
I was recently sent some smoked products from Chesil Smokery to try. They have an ethical, traditional smokery in Bridgeport, West Dorset and many of their products have been awarded with the prestigious Great Taste Award. I was recently on the judging panel for this year’s Great Taste Award, and I can tell you it’s a very rigorous process – awards aren’t given easily.
With this in mind I was looking forward to tasting their; Hot-Smoked Duck Breast, Kippers, Hot-Smoked Mackerel and Hot-Smoked Salmon.
Hot-Smoked Duck Breast – tender, velvety smooth texture. I could never tire of eating this – it’s that good.
Kippers – not too salty with a silky, soft texture.
Hot-Smoked Salmon – well balanced smoke with a flaky, delicate texture.
Hot-Smoked Mackerel – didn’t shine as much as the other products, but still very good – I made a pâté out of this.
Chesil Smokery gently smoke in oak and apple wood from specially graded British trees and peat. I doubt whether I would honestly be able to tell the difference between what wood is used, but I can say that overall they balance the smoke flavour well, using quality produce.
They also smoke other items such as Hot-Smoked Chicken and Cod Roe, all of which is available online. There are a number of ways to order either by selecting a la carte, gift box or they currently have an offer of just £10 for your first box where you can make up your own box – well worth checking out!
Thanks to Chesil Smokery for the samples.
