The flavorful roast goose is brined then roasted with an orange basting sauce. Before you get started, be sure you have a bag or container the right size for the goose so the brine will cover it thoroughly.
Ingredients:
* Brine:
* 1 to 1 1/2 gallons cold water
* 1 cup kosher salt
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 bay leaf
* 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
* dash allspice
* .
* 1 goose, about 10 to 12 pounds
* 1/2 cup orange juice
* 1/2 cup orange marmalade
* 1/2 cup dry white wine or champagne
Preparation:
Wash goose and trim excess fat. Place in a large cooking bag in a roasting pan or in a large covered container for brining.
In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of the water with salt, sugar, and spices until salt and sugar are dissolved. Cool slightly and add to 1 gallon of cold water. Pour over the goose and add more ice cold water to cover the goose. If you use a cooking bag, twist and tie tightly so the goose is covered with the brine. Heat oven to 375°. Prick goose all over with a fork. Place goose, breast side down, on a rack in a large roasting pan. A V-rack is good for this, if you have one. Roast for 20 minutes. Using tongs, turn the goose breast side up and roast for 20 minutes longer.
Meanwhile, combine orange juice, marmalade, and wine or champagne in a saucepan; bring to a simmer then remove from heat.
Carefully remove the pan from the oven and pour off fat. Reduce heat to 325° and continue roasting the goose for about 20 minutes per pound, brushing lightly with orange-wine mixture about every 30 to 40 minutes. Goose juices should run clear when the thigh is pierced with a sharp knife. A meat thermometer inserted in meat of thigh should register about 180°.
