Christmas Goose

Goose is a traditional holiday meal in many European countries. This recipe uses maple syrup to glaze the bird with a sweet, caramel-like flavor. Try it this year instead of your usual turkey or roast.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (12-pound) goose
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups pure maple syrup
8 cups stuffing mix

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil. Place goose in pan.
3. In a bowl, combine lemon juice and maple syrup; mix well. Brush goose cavity with half the maple syrup mixture. Spoon stuffing loosely inside goose and tie closed. Brush goose with remaining maple syrup mixture then cover and seal with aluminum foil.
4. Bake goose for 3 hours. Remove foil and bake for 15 minutes more, or until the internal temperature registers 190°F (90°C) on a meat thermometer. Let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Makes 8 servings.