Holiday Gifts: Duck Saucisson & Duck Foie Gras Mousse

As holiday season kicks into full gear, many gourmands wonder what to get for themselves or for their fellow compatriots who appreciate quality over quantity when it comes to fine foods and drinks. I was recently invited to sample several of the items from Petrossian's holiday catalog and I left quacking about two duck products in particular: Duck Saucisson and Duck Foie Gras Mousse.

Duck Salami Saucisson (left). Photo courtesy of Petrossian 

The Duck Salami, known as Saucisson, is pictured on the left in the above photo and is a hearty and spicy charcuterie.  The meat has a smokiness to it, with a nice salty cure that will make a regular salami pale in comparison.  It comes in a package of two thin salamis, with a total weight of one pound.  It's not inexpensive ($59), but a small amount can contribute a lot of flavor and it is perfect for a meat and cheese board on a cold winter's night.

Pâtés galore: Mousse of Duck Foie Gras (top left)

Among the variety of pâtés on offer at Petrossian, for me the Mousse of Duck Foie Gras stood out.  The mousse comes in a seven ounce tin ($32) and is rich and silky.  The mousse is excellent on toast points or just a nice hunk of baguette.  Whether you raise a glass of prosecco or a seasonal winter ale with it, the Duck Foie Gras Mousse adds a touch of luxury that can make any occasion a bit more festive and delicious.

You can always have a duck feast and serve both, along with a roast or Peking duck to go all out or just make the tin or sausage last you for days as you savor a small serving in your lunch or upon your return home from work.  Petrossian is best known for its caviar, but for me their duck products are an oft-overlooked specialty.  If you were wondering what to get me for Hannukkah, now you know.

These treats are available at the Petrossian Boutique: 321 North Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood.  (1 block North of Beverly Blvd) and at their website: www.petrossian.com