We’d tracked the package out for delivery on Friday morning as the vehicle bringing it to us made progress through the neighbouring villages towards us - destination #26. Our patience was rewarded just before lunchtime and we couldn’t wait to bring the large box up into the kitchen and see what’s inside.

It wasn’t a surprise. We’d ordered dinner from Tommy Banks (again!) this time choosing the “Weekend Box” with two three course meals for the two of us and I’d had an email at 10pm the previous evening to say that the box was on its way. Nevertheless, I was not only curious to look inside but also felt it important to get the boxes into the fridge as soon as possible, even though everything was still nicely chilled.

The ice packs were still frozen and everything neatly wrapped in wool “blankets”, so I imagine there was no rush. We read both menus, made a decision which to have first and which to save for later and put the boxes in the fridge.

On Friday night, we got out everything from the first set of boxes and began to prepare dinner. Easy peasy! Everything cooked at the same oven temperature and was ready in no time.

First up was Celeriac Soup with a hazelnut pesto and a tasty cheese straw.

Next, for our main course we enjoyed a confit duck leg on a bed of cassoulet with a parsley salsa and a herb crumb. Very tasty!

Finally was a Jerusalem Artichoke and Chocolate Delice with a Sesame Seed cracker and a dollop of whipped creme fraiche - I know! Jerusalem Artichoke? What? It was yummy!! Who knew?

We were stuffed! What’s more, we still had another similar meal in the fridge to look forward to.

We decided we’d enjoy the second menu for Sunday lunch, thereby giving me a morning off cook’s duties and allowing ourselves the essential time to savour it all.

The bread rolls fresh from the oven and topped with the smoked salmon were the perfect way to begin. Not only that, but a box like this includes all those cheffy trimmings like the pickled apples and fennel - really crisp and fresh.

The beef cheeks were fantastic! I was a little anxious about the horseradish cream barley because I’m not a fan of the flavour of horseradish, wasabi or similarly peppery things but actually, the full flavour of the beef and the amazing sauce, not to mention all the little side things made for a really yummy plateful.

I’m sad to say, the apple cake, caramel sauce and clotted cream didn’t hang around long enough for a photo, so all that remained was the washing up.

We had so enjoyed the Made in Oldstead Signature box on my birthday, we hoped that the more “normal” fare would be equally good. We were not disappointed! The biggest challenge is deciding how long we can wait before we order the next treat? Next weekend is already sold out, so I guess we’ll be waiting on tenterhooks for the following weekend’s menus to be announced.

Will it be one box or two?

(BTW, the feature photo for this post is taken from the ever-amusing Letterfolk Instagram account. I couldn’t resist!)