Tradition is the theme this year and what could be more traditional than a Goose for Christmas? And, 
as Pammy Riggs (our chicken “whisperer”) pointed out, “a goose is not just for Christmas, you get six months worth of goose fat too”. Goose fat makes wonderful roast potatoes and, as long as it is stored properly, it will keep for many months.
The meat from the bird is very rich so a little goes a long way and, together with three of Hugh’s favourite recipes, this bird is both thrifty and delicious.
Goose is a Christmas institution in Hugh’s household and the recipes we have included have become a bit of a signature for him. A traditional roast for Christmas day, a salami-style stuffed neck, and a confit of the legs for Boxing day. Of course, like Hugh, you could serve all three in succession on the big day itself but for a more thrifty approach, the confit of legs can be preserved for months, covered with the precious goose fat.
Pammy has taken a big part in helping us with your limited edition organic goose. It will be
specially butchered in order for you to follow Hugh's recipes, so it won't arrive like a normal oven ready bird. The giblets will be retained as will the all important neck skin, which will be left intact for you to use as a "sausage" skin for your salami-style stuffed neck. We have decided to leave the legs on, in case you prefer a more traditional roasted bird. However, we will be including full instructions with your hamper on how to remove the legs should you wish to follow all three of Hugh's recipes.
Our River Cottage Organic Goose hamper is simply Christmas in a box. We have included the popular natural Cornish Sea Salt, to season your bird and Julian Temperley’s 5 year old Somerset Cider Brandy which can be used in the Giblet-stuffed neck of goose recipe; to flame your Georgie Porgie traditional Christmas Pudding, and as a digestive after your meal. In addition we have added a jar our local friends K Basterfield and Son's seasonal chutney which works wonderfully with the stuffed neck, or with cold goose; a jar of Tracklements Bramley Apple sauce laced with Somerset Cider Brandy, some bubbly from Sherborne Brut; the very famous Dorset Blue Vinny from our friends at Dorset Blue, and locally made Chococo chocolates and Teonis shortbread. All you will need to add is some good sausage meat*, a few fresh herbs and vegetables and you have yourself a feast.
Click here for some goosey recipes
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Contents
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| One organically reared and specially butchered Goose approximately 4-5 kg* selected by Pammy Riggs (the River Cottage "Chicken Whisperer") |
| One pouch of Cornish Sea Salt 225 g from the Cornish Sea Salt Company in Porthkerris on the Lizard Peninsula |
| One bottle (35cl) of Julien Temperley's 5 year old Somerset Cider Brandy from Kingsbury Episcopi, near Martock |
| One jar of Seasonal Chutney from K Basterfield & Sons of Ottery St Mary, Devon |
| One jar of Apple and Cider Brandy Sauce from The Tracklement Company Ltd, of Malmesbury, Wiltshire |
| One bottle of Sherborne Brut, from Sherborne Castle Estate Wines in Dorset |
| One truckle (500g) Dorset Blue Vinny from Dorset Blue, Sturminster Newton |
| One box of Biscuits for Cheese from The Fine Cheese Company of Bath |
| One box of 16 Seasonal Handmade Chocolates from Chococo of Purbeck in Dorset |
| One box of Seasonal Cranberry Shortbread from Teonis of Tiverton in Devon |
| One box of Spiced Shortbread Fingers from Teonis of Tiverton in Devon |
| One large Traditional Christmas Pudding from Georgie Porgie Ottery St Mary in Devon |
Please Note: in the event of supply difficulties we reserve the right to substitute any items from this list of hamper contents with a similar item of the same or higher value.
*The final weight of the bird will be dependent on the weather and nature itself therefore we cannot give accurate weights. They will be a minimum of 4 kg and on average 4.5 kg, with some birds being larger. You should weigh your bird before cooking and follow the cooking instructions in the recipe supplied.
Packaging
Our hamper boxes are made using recycled material which is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. The design of the box and selection of the material grade has been specifically developed to endure the rigours of transit and to carry the required weights. Once erected the box has at least two thicknesses of board on most panels and provides a robust outer for safe transit of the products inside.
It is essential that the whole package is environmentally friendly and therefore we did not want to use man-made insulation materials. The insulation liner inside this box is made using sheep's wool from only British sheep. An innovative use of a completely sustainable resource - it is absolutely safe to use and harmless to the environment.
The wool is washed, blended into insulation felt and then contained in a biodegradable food grade wrap to prevent any fibres coming into contact with foodstuffs. As with other insulation materials, reuseable ice sheets are placed within the box to maintain cool temperatures. This insulation liner can be used many times over.
Delivery
The hampers are available for delivery on Monday 22nd December by Parcel Force before noon. They can also be collected from our warehouse in Axminster, Devon, by prior arrangement on the same day.
*We regret we are unable to supply the sausage meat for Hugh’s 3-part Goose recipes as our River Cottage sausage meat does not contain any preservatives and therefore has a very short shelf life.