Goose stuffed with dried fruits

Ingredients:

• 1 whole goose (4-6 kg)
• 400g mixed dried fruits (apricots, prunes, raisins, figs)
• 100g unsalted butter
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 500ml chicken stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Clean the goose, removing any excess fat and giblets. Rinse the bird and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add mixed dried fruits, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dried fruits have softened and are coated with the fragrant butter.
5. Stuff the goose with the dried fruit mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the stuffing inside the bird.
6. Place the stuffed goose in a roasting pan and pour the chicken stock over the top. Cover the pan with foil and roast for 2 hours.
7. Remove the foil and continue roasting for another hour, basting the bird occasionally with the pan juices. The goose skin should be brown and crispy.
8. Remove the goose from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Serving suggestions:

The goose stuffed with dried fruits can be served with roasted potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts for a hearty winter meal. A glass of red wine would complement the flavors perfectly.

Verdict:

This dish is a showstopper for a holiday gathering. The goose meat is tender and juicy, while the dried fruit stuffing adds a sweet and savory richness to the dish. As a bonus, the aroma of the roasting goose fills the house with a comforting warmth.