Pre-heat
oven to 400 °F
Prick the skin of the goose all over with a sharp skewer or fork and pull the inside
fat out of the bird and reserve.
To make the stuffing, melt the butter in a large pan, add the onion and cook for 5-6
minutes, until softened.
Separate the
goose liver from the giblets and chop finely, then add to the onion and
cook gently for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the stones from half the prunes and discard.
Chop the prunes roughly and stir into the onion with the port.
Cover and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Add the sage and breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly together.
Spoon the stuffing into the neck end of the goose, then truss with strong cotton
or fine string.
Put the bird on a wire rack placed in a roasting tin.
Cover the breast with the reserved fat and then with foil.
Roast for 15 minutes per lb plus 15 minutes, basting frequently.
Thirty minutes
before the end of the cooking time, drain off the fat and discard.
Add the apples to the tin with the remaining prunes.
Add the wine.
Place the bird on top, standing on the roasting rack.
Remove the
foil and fat
Cook, uncovered, for the last 30 minutes.
Serve the
roast goose with the cooking juices and the apples and prunes.
Plain boiled
or mashed potatoes complement the richness of the goose.
Braised red
cabbage is also a traditional accompaniment.