It's a Goose's life

Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat - so are their livers if you live in the Gers !

Although many dining tables over the festive season will have a roast duck or a goose as the centrepiece, this is also the land of foie gras and confit all year round. In every corner of the countryside you'll come across goose and duck farms where descendants of the old lady in the picture are still force-feeding the birds in the time-honoured tradition.

It's not very PC I know, but when in Rome !!

In the nearby village of Castera Verduzan, Jacqueline Cella (http://www.jacqueline-cella.com/) sells products direct from her farm, as does Gabriel Ducasse of "Les Canards de Gaillo" at Lectoure. Their ranges include foie gras, confits, magrets (duck breasts), duck stuffed with Agen prunes and gésiers (don't ask !)

Over in St. Puy, about 20 minutes from us, you'll find Terre Blanche, where you can attend either a hearty breakfast or go for the full lunchtime blow-out and have the opportunity to taste every part of the duck or goose (and I mean every part !), all for just a few euros. Full details are available on their website at www.terreblanche.fr

Another gastronomic alternative can be found at Jegun, just 15 minutes away in the direction of Auch, where there is an ostrich farm. For those of you watching your weight, ostrich meat is high in protein but low in cholesterol, so it's the perfect type of steak for the barbecue if you've just been resting "poolside" all day.

So, why not have a change from chicken or turkey this year and order a duck or a goose from your local butcher - if nothing else you'll have wonderful fat left over for the roast potatoes !!