[simonn]

Hi folks this is my first post and would like some advice please,ive be offered a goose for christmas that was hatched in may 2010,its been kept outside free range and fed on a little corn each evening in the winter months.Will this bird be ok for christmas dinner or will it be tuff as old boots.Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
simon 

[Sylvia]

I have, somewhere a recipe for old ducks and geese. I have to go to work shortly so will look it out tomorrow.

[Anke]

If simply roasted - tough as old boots.... I would pass on it!

[Crofter]

Boil it!  If it's anything like the wild goose I shot last week, boil it for a very long time.

[simonn]

Thanks for the replys i think i will let it go,dont fancy christmas dinner being a let down...

[VSS]

If you roast it long enough and slowly enough it will be fine.

[Sylvia]

Sorry, forgot to send this recipe
 Ducks and geese up to five years old may be cooked this way(quoted)
Truss and stuff as for roasting. Melt 4oz. dripping in a saucepan and, when hot, put bird in and braise for about 15 minutes turning now and again.
Add a cupful of water, cover very closely and simmer for 4 hours.
     

[deepinthewoods]

or this one.

take your goose and pin it to a softwood board, cover, put in oven on a low heat for four hours.
remove from oven.
detach goose from the board
throw goose away
eat the board!!!!
 

[Sylvia]

Now now Deepinthewoods, don't waste good food

[simonn]

or this one.

take your goose and pin it to a softwood board, cover, put in oven on a low heat for four hours.
remove from oven.
detach goose from the board
throw goose away
eat the board!!!!
 

[deepinthewoods]

well i know, but who wants goose soup for christmas!!

[Olly398]

A cupful or two of water won't make soup, just prevent it from drying out. Might not fit the bill ideally for xmas though!

[piggy]

I have to agree with VSS,we have had a 3 year old goose and it was fine,the key is in the cooking,long and slow.

[humphreymctush]

we eat a lot of wild geese, and you never know how old they are. I agree, cook it long and slow