The Rose Bowl is days away. The Ohio State Buckeyes are playing the Oregon Ducks.  Alex and I are both alumni and football fans.  We are bringing a duck confit dish to a Rose Bowl party to poke fun at the opposing team’s mascot.

One of the most common complaints about duck (or goose for that matter) is that the meat is greasy or dry and unpalatable after roasting.  Usually this is a result of not cooking it long enough to render away sufficient fat, or cooking it far too long and drying out the meat.

The method we use for waterfowl including duck and goose is based on Julia Child’s technique in The Way to Cook.  This method encompasses a preliminary steaming step followed by a more traditional roasting process.  The end result is succulent meat that is tender, moist and not in the slightest bit greasy.

To begin, buy a fresh duck or goose from a reputable source.  Our favorite Columbus sources are North Market Poultry and Game and Weiland’s Market.  Brine the bird in the refrigerator for up to twelve hours.

Trim the cavity of the bird of excess fat and trim the wing tips.  Remove any giblets from the cavity and reserve these with the wing tips for making stock/gravy.  You may or may not want to play with the bird at this time, giving a puppet show with Rose Bowl references.

Aggressively salt the cavity of the bird and place it breast up in a metal roasting pan on a rack so that it is at least an  inch off the bottom.  Fill the pan to just below the bird with liquid.  Any mix of water, wine, apple cider or orange juice works well, keeping in mind that flavor will be imparted to the bird.  A few aromatic vegetables like celery and onion are welcome additions to the liquid.

Cover the pan tightly (aluminum foil is fine) and place on the stove top over medium heat to begin steaming.  Keep the liquid at a simmer, and add more as it boils away.  The steaming time will vary by the size of the bird.  A small duck (5 pounds) will take only half an hour while a large goose (12 pounds) will take about an hour.  When the steaming is done, remove the bird to a tray and drain the liquid from the roasting pan.

goose fat separated in a nontraditional pilsner vessel

For a large goose you may collect as much as 3 cups of fat from the steaming process.  Reserve the fat for future cooking use.  It is easily poured into ball jars, cooked, and then refrigerated.

At this point, stuff the bird if that is your plan.  A liver and fruit stuffing suits the flavor of duck and goose well, but your tastes may vary.  If you do not want to stuff it, place an onion and some aromatic herbs in the cavity to add flavor.

After stuffing, truss the legs together and place it breast side down in the roasting pan.  Put it in the oven at 350 degrees.  For a smaller bird, you will want to flip it over to finish roasting after one hour.  For a larger bird, flip it over after one and a half hours.  Finish roasting breast side up for 30 minutes to brown the skin.  The meat should feel tender but slightly springy when pressed.

Remove from the oven and allow the bird to rest for 15 minutes while juices redistribute.  Carve the bird up like you would a chicken and it is ready to eat.
As you carve it, you will notice that there is still some fat in the bird.  Because a vast majority of the fat was steamed away, the meat will be moist and taste delicious without being greasy.  Also, you might notice that around the legs the juices will still be slightly red.  This is perfectly fine.   If you buy your poultry from someone you know or trust, there should be no worries about food-borne diseases.

GO BUCKS!   COOK THOSE DUCKS!

Stay tuned for the Confit Conard (duck confit) technique post Thursday.

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How to Cook a Duck is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.

If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

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Having a Cool Yule is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.

If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

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The goose was cooked and enjoyed.  Devie watched all proceedings to make sure no bit was wasted.  Look for a post later this week related to the Rose Bowl about how to cook duck and goose.

After snuggles and stories, Lil went to bed.

Lil’s big present this year is an indoor swing.  We installed it (well, Alex installed and I tested) between the dining room and living room. Yes, I do hope I get a robe for Christmas that doesn’t make me look like a five year old.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays.  May your gifts be plenty and treats be delicious!

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Having a Cool Yule is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.

If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

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The Flavor of Christmas is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.

If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

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Tastes and smells are a necessary component to memory.  Foods bring us back to a place and time, defining everyday and holiday experiences.

At Christmas time, the formal Christmas Eve dinner is that memory maker for me. The last two years we have hosted a meal for friends and family at our house, as we will again this year. The menu varies slightly each year but typically follows an old English style. Dishes are always made from scratch. This year our menu is:

Stuffed whole goose (raised at 2silos farm)
Roasted sweet and white potatoes
Steamed green beans
Mushroom pie
Green salad
Cranberry sauce
Mini yorkshire puddings
Cranberry champagne cocktails

My sister, the pastry school attendee, will be bringing the dessert.  She just finished a chocolate class.

What tastes do you associate with Christmas?  What are you making this year?

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The Flavor of Christmas is a post from Hounds In The Kitchen.

If you like what you read, please consider supporting us with a donation or visit the Hounds in the Kitchen shop for ebooks and favorite tools. Thanks!

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