Turkey is the centrepiece of Christmas dinner for many families. It’s a tradition that dates back to 1526 and has remained popular ever since. Many people feel that their celebration would not be the same without the right turkey to feed their family. However, there are many alternatives to this festive bird that you can try this Christmas.
Goose is a great option for those who wish to try something different for Christmas dinner. While turkey ultimately became the number one choice, goose was often the cheaper option for those who couldn’t afford a bigger bird. It was succeeded by turkey when people realised that the latter would feed bigger families.
Many choose to opt for goose at Christmas because it is juicer than turkey and has a distinctively rich flavour. Cooking goose is quite easy but timing will depend on the size of the bird. A 5kg goose will take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. You will know the bird is done when the bird is pricked and the juices run clear.
Goose fat is rich and silky. It is a solid fat which becomes fairly liquid at room temperature which means that it will not make your roast potatoes, or whatever else you use it for, greasy.
Duck is another option and is often popular for smaller groups of 4-6 people. While many choose to just get a smaller cut of turkey, opting for duck means that you can have a whole bird on your table without wasting food.
There is more fat with duck, which means there is less chance it will dry out. This also means that the duck is tastier as our bodies will naturally enjoy the taste of cooked fat more. The meat is also a source of protein, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, iron, zinc, vitamin B6 and thiamine. It also contains smaller amounts of vitamin B12, folate and magnesium.
Cooking time for duck is a lot shorter, which leaves more time to be with those around you. It is also considerably easier to cut it into quarters than it is to carve a whole turkey. Those who aren’t confident with their culinary ability will still produce a tasty duck with very little stress.
Trying duck this Christmas is a great decision for those looking for something different that is also delicious and festive. Some choose to serve it with an orange glaze, which will create the perfect main course for the festive season.
Both birds will make for a delicious dinner on Christmas Day, but you will also be able to enjoy it on St Stephens Day too.
This year, why not try something different for your Christmas dinner? Turkey is a great choice, but goose or duck could be even better. There are many recipes and tips online which will allow you to create a dish to suit your taste, needs and ability with ease. Do your research prior to Christmas and find the right one for you. You may even create a new Christmas tradition for your family.
