BEHOLD THE GOOSE!

The goose was delicious! Especially the crispy skin. The meat was very dark, flavorful but not as fatty as duck. (I like fatty, so I think duck still has a slight edge as my favorite fowl). But I would definitely goose again.

I completely failed to take photos of anything else as I was overcome by goose, but the meal also featured braised short ribs, stuffing, sweet potatoes topped with candied pecans, mashed carrots with mint, kale and potatoes with rosemary and garlic, brussels sprouts and onions, and for dessert, lemon squares (my contribution), a sort of sweet pizza topped with berries and icing, and homemade S'Mores ice cream. The latter was a big hit. I don't like S'Mores (I hate graham crackers) but they tasted more like brown butter cookies than graham crackers. Brilliant ice cream, would be a bestseller if sold commercially.

I was not called to an emergency, though I did maniacally rush from the table with my phone once, as the area code was that of my answering service and I thought it was a client having a Christmas emergency. Turns out it was my mom calling from India on a new cell phone and a five-second delay between when either of us said anything and when the other heard it. That was an interesting conversation.

I hope you all had good food and good cheer. I have a takeaway plate of goose, short ribs, and kale in the fridge.

ETA: Forgot to mention the appetizers, all homemade: baked brie in pastry, pork rillettes (pate, basically), and mashed peas with chili pepper - I know the latter sounds weird, but it was great. All were delicious but I could have devoured an entire brie if it wasn't for knowing goose was forthcoming. It had a sweetness that I first thought was browned onions but turned out to be brown sugar sprinkled on before popping it in the oven.