Goose - Best way to defrost & cook

[.Woody]

What the title says really!
I got my first ever goose yesterday, a deep frozen 4.4kg bird from Lidl, only £14.99 ...bargain!

I was wondering whether it would be best to defrost it slowly in the fridge and for how long or just leave it out in the kitchen.

The next question would be the best way to stuff and roast it?

And then also what are the best veg to have with it, not an important part of the question, but I thought I may as well ask!

(Can't believe I'm posting something like this on a car forum )

[beermaddavep]

Fridge probably safest to defrost.

Best advice when roasting it is to place it on a rack over a large tray- and I do mean large- to catch all of the fat. Cover the legs with foil as they burn very easily and don't skimp on the basting.

The amount of fat that comes out of a goose has to be seen to believed.

Check the tray regularly otherwise it will overflow and run out of your oven.

Try not to dry the bird out and also be aware that it won't yield as much meat as a similar weight turkey.

Save the goose fat in your fridge afterwards (it lasts ages) to make lush roast potatoes/parsnips.

All from last years "first ever goose" experience in the beermad kitchen!

[.Woody]

Cheers that all sounds like a good idea thanks!
How long would you reckon to defrost it in a fridge?

[Dr JonboyG]

I'd plan on at least a day or two in the fridge. You can also just defrost it on the counter overnight - you'll want the bird to be room temperature before you cook it anyway.

Every 30 minutes or so, ladle off the molten goose fat. I used a 50 ml syringe, but i work in a lab so I have easy access to those kinds of things. Save that fat in some clean jars and keep it in the fridge - it makes the very best roast potatoes.

Make sure you have the goose on a rack when it cooks.

[.Woody]

Thanks Jonboy,
How long will the fat keep in the frdige?

[Dr JonboyG]

.Woody said:

Thanks Jonboy,
How long will the fat keep in the frdige?

I've made it to the end of the year with no ill effects.

[i want an aero]

i have bought 1 today, can't wait

[beermaddavep]

.Woody said:

Thanks Jonboy,
How long will the fat keep in the frdige?

I seem to remember ours was finished off late January. No-one got ill anyway :-)

Just bought a fresh kelly bronze turkey for this year- hope the taste justifies the 40 quid!

[.Woody]

I had mine last night, absolutely gorgeous, amazing value for £15!!! I used Gordon Ramsays recipe, googled roast goose, its on bbcgoodfood, the red wine & date gravy recipe is fantastic too