Goose Over An Open Fire - A Very Dickens Christmas Dinner - 18th Century Cooking

A classic Christmas dinner from the 18th century!
Visit Our Website! ➧ www.townsends.us/ ➧➧
Help support the channel with Patreon ➧ / townsend ➧➧
Facebook ➧ jas.townsend
Instagram ➧ townsends_official

[@townsends]

Merry Christmas to the best community on KZbin!

[@EnglishCountryLife]

And Got Jul to all of you

[@invadertak9351]

Love your videos! Keep up the good work.

[@midwestmatthew9752]

Merry Christmas to you too! We'll be trying a White Pot for the first time for our Christmas dinner dessert! :)

[@zoewilkins2896]

And to you, too.

[@jaedenrotondo3373]

Merry Christmas!

[@AlRoderick]

Don't feel bad for that goose, it terrorized a poor little boy with glasses and stole the bell from the model village cathedral.

[@AnneIglesias]

Alexander Roderick I was waiting for an Untitled reference in the comments. Thank you, well done.

[@mugglesarecooltoo]

The boy terrorised him back, and then the goose and his friends brought him on a charming adventure across Sweden, during which the boy grew as a person, and the geese brought him home again.

[@coolenaam]

@@mugglesarecooltoo Nils Holgersson :)

[@mugglesarecooltoo]

@@coolenaam Yep. :)

[@chantrellebrown8313]

I don't know why I laughed so hard 😂

[@SyriusStarMultimedia]

This dude is in a groove. He just slides in and out of the past and present without so much as a hiccup in the space time continuum.

[@TheWaxworker]

It's hard for a modern person to realize how involved and difficult cooking was in the pre-industrial and new industrial eras. We have it so convenient now.

[@thetaekwondoe3887]

There was a write-up I read many years ago about how they used to get ready for Christmas. Basically spending weeks getting things ready to make the big meal - things we easily take for granted, like already ground spices. It was really interesting, but sadly I can't remember where I found it. If I find it I'll post the link. Good reading.

[@mwnciboo]

It is amazing how much free time we have now...Our ancestors would be amazed by how little work we do.

[@soujiroyoshizawa6655]

@Doom One of the upsides of historical reenactment like what's presented on this channel is that it helps us appreciate how easy we've got it. There's a lot of these types of organizations around, and they let people come in and do some hands-on stuff like this. I recommend checking them out, because they're a lot of fun, at least for history nerds such as myself.

[@protitus]

Haha our microwave broke and I had to show my kids how to reheat pizza in the oven.

[@craftpaint1644]

The only thing I agree with, modern world wise, is the ease of acquiring ingredients and not having to pluck feathers.

[@Rocketsong]

My father immigrated to the US from Germany in the 1950s and insists that goose is traditional for Christmas. Merry Christmas to you, Ivy, and the rest of the family.

[@ericblair6984]

I've never cooked a goose, but I've cooked a duck for Christmas for the past couples of years. Duck is underrated.

[@cynthiaklenk6313]

“I don't know what to do!" cried Scrooge, laughing and crying in the same breath; and making a perfect Laocoön of himself with his stockings. "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to every-body! A happy New Year to all the world! Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

[@elaineburnett5230]

My favorite part..

[@salguodrolyat2594]

A second chance at life is recognised.😁

[@yxt8948]

Wow he has a pineapple in the background he is so fashionable ms crocombe would be pleased

[@HugsXO]

Hahahaha Love Mrs. C.

[@gorillaau]

The pineapple was hired from the grocery store, it must be returned before they close. Gee. This concept sounds ridiculous in this day and age.

[@Shaun.Stephens]

Also pomegranates. Not very accurate for the average person over 200 years ago.

[@JustAManFromThePast]

People still rent a big screen tv just for the superbowl.

[@shaggy4real97]

Such OPULENCE

[@oddballschtuff]

I just can’t help but laugh as he’s jigglin’ the goose around and the onions are falling out of the neck hole 😂😂😂😂 I love this channel!

[@chococat3972]

I require lasagna Jon, but the goose shall suffice for now. - Garfield the cat

[@n3alsnail299]

goose lasagna sounds amazing

[@BassPlayer60134]

Lasagna is still only in Italy at this point. Probably didn’t include tomatoes.

[@RosieNawojka]

@@BassPlayer60134 Early lasagne recipes I've read contain sugar and crushed walnuts. I tried it. It's not so good, lol.

[@someonenow1]

@@deathsheadknight2137 Where are the taco shells

[@fabulous_finn7810]

I find it funny how lovecraftian horror has made it into the comments section.

[@Navygrl58]

“I love the gravy!” Said one of the Cratchitt children. “it’s just sage and onion.” said Mrs. Crachitt proudly! Always puts a smile of humility on my face. Merry Christmas during these tumultuous times in 2020. Thanks for the simplicity and grounding your site gives us all! God bless!

[@salguodrolyat2594]

Well the French do make a big deal about their onion soup, so why not onion gravy?😁

[@douglashagedorn7717]

I cook a goose along with 2 ducks every year as a Christmas tradition. I marinate them over night in a mixture of apple juice with a cup of fresh orange juice, they’ve always turned out amazing. About 15 minutes after taking them from the oven I cover them lightly with orange marmalade.

[@CreatorCade]

That sounds great I’m gonna have to give it a try.

[@sarahcrews2544]

Is it easy to find a goose where you live? Sometimes I can duck never goose

[@highstandards6226]

The citrus helps cut the grease AND tenderize the meat

[@highstandards6226]

@@sarahcrews2544 often at the farmers' market...but they're big. Usually double the size of any duck definitely bigger than a turkey

[@highstandards6226]

As much I harp on citrus, pineapple is a fabulous accompaniment too!

[@The_Gallowglass]

To me, goose is the roast beef of poultry.

[@christophermorin9036]

More like a Potroast, but yes.

[@shortbread9518]

And chicken is the chicken of poultry

[@georgeasimakos1744]

Billy Jackson seeing as how roast beef is made from the best cut of beef, I’d say that’s a safe bet.

[@kck9742]

"God bless us, every one!"

[@averagewoman6962]

Queen Caroline (consort of King George II) is said to have remarked: "Goose is an unsatisfactory bird; too big for one and not enough for two".

[@pickeljarsforhillary102]

Your goose is cooked, Jon.

[@Cadwaladr]

He even stuck a fork in it.

[@chrisnemec5644]

*Groans* That bad pun fell down dead.

[@pickeljarsforhillary102]

@@chrisnemec5644 As bad as it was it didnt stop your anime girl avatar from liking your own comment.

[@highstandards6226]

@@chrisnemec5644 😉😉😜👏😮🥳🤯

[@ninita777]

PickelJars ForHillary your username and bad pun are an indication of what you might be a little obsessed with...

[@LynnHermione]

The onions are falling from his head hole, that's so sad but also so funny XD

[@melissacomer8404]

I was laughing. Quit picking up the bird. Everything he spent time putting was falling out faster. I'd like to try one though.

[@Navygrl58]

🤣😂. I caught that also!!

[@d.aardent9382]

I know, i was laughing at that also for some reason. It was somewhat a bit of gross with the fluids dripping out and yet made me laugh as the onions dribbled out. I always feel a bit sad for the animals though.

[@markcooke729]

Brilliant! We used to have goose for most of our Christmas dinners when our Father was still with us. There's something about the smell of a goose cooking for dinner that really makes it smell like Christmas.

[@thedustymoose7258]

Hello long time fan first time ever commenting. Love this channel coming from a viking historical actor or edutainment viking and larper. We always need more people living and breathing history which from experience is hard to do. You make it almost look effortless. Just thanks again for everything you do on your channel.

[@TopHatButcher]

Omg I'm soo happy... I have legit always wanted to have Christmas goose over a fire. This video is a Christmas miracle!!! :)

[@Nunyobidne55]

A tough day doing 21st century knee and hip total arthroplasties.....I love coming home to the 18th century OG. Thanks for the work you do John.....it’s a great vacation from our hectic life

[@jeromeshalom9250]

Nutmeg roasting over an open fire.

[@hazelpixie56]

Always wanted to try goose for Christmas since I saw the 1938 version of A Christmas Carol with Reginald Owen as Scrooge. Until then, I make do with Cornish game hens and Townsends

[@milosterwheeler2520]

The 1938 version was the one I always saw on TV as a child in the early 1950's. How I wanted to try Goose!

[@Ralphanthonybianscomusic]

Yo, that goose is kinda shady. I don’t know if I truss it.

[@gorillaau]

Not sure, appeared to be stuffed though.

[@KristiChan1]

It dressed well at least.

[@sharonballantyne1735]

🤭🤣🤣

[@tauntonlake]

It probably did run afowl of the law before it was plucked.

[@veralenora7368]

[Sternly] You may all leave the room.

[@CRuf-qw4yv]

Merry Christmas Jon and Company. Always was on my bucket list to have a Christmas Goose, Christmas Pudding, Onion Pie and Peanut soup and sippets. Have had all except the goose but working on it. Just a Charles Dickens type of holiday meal.

[@jaridkeen123]

It always sucks watching the videos knowing i cant eat it at the end :/

[@royceaxle5749]

You always can when you make it. :)

[@kittyhawker4464]

Goooooooose. Yum. Duck duck even better. Your love for history shows. What a wonderful passion .

[@octopodesrex]

RAKE IN THE LAKE

[@dennism5565]

I would like to spend a day following you in your endeavors with the process from beginning to end of one of these videos. Your demeanor, knowledge and verse makes one feel as though authenticity is real.

[@nobodyspecial6881]

Did you buy that pineapple for your guests and family to eat, or are you just renting it for the day to impress your guests. I've read about pineapples in the 1700s selling for as much as 8000. dollars each in todays money. So some would rent them for the day to display. Your family would indeed be a lucky family. Have a Merry Christmas.

[@Luckingsworth]

May sound crazy. But even still today exotic fruit is very expensive in certain areas. Try to buy a watermelon in Alaska in winter and see how much that costs! Not nearly the same but it is certainly amazing how even today fruit can demand such a price. I dont doubt they would rent them to display wealth without actually spending the money haha.

[@nobodyspecial6881]

@@Luckingsworth I guess today we should be thankful we have plastic fruit to display and use for center displays. Have a Merry Christmas.

[@beth12svist]

Interesting. That kind of helps explain the fun bit about pineapples in history for me - that pineapples were _so_ fashionable as a fruit they actually made it into fashion. Like those pineapple reticules (ladies' purses) from early 19th century. (Usually knitted I believe.)

[@Zelmel]

@@Luckingsworth For that matter, buy non-tropical fruit in Hawaii any time of year. So much more expensive than in the mainland US.

[@mrdanforth3744]

@@beth12svist The pineapple was also a popular motif in carved furniture in the 18th C as a symbol of hospitality and wealth.

[@RedSiBaron]

This is fantastic method of cooking a goose and very clever using the string. We typically do a colonial Christmas meal every year. We use modern convenience of a rotisserie over my wood charcoal grill but the end result looks very much like this. Love it.

[@cathyslyman839]

Duck duck, goose. Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year

[@sosteve9113]

Merry Christmas,greetings from Belgium

[@trinafh8283]

Nottingham's Goose Fair drove the birds from Lincolnshire to market and sell, to fatten up for Christmas since records began - more than a 1000 years. Nowadays it's just a fair and goose is bought via shops etc. Very historic dinner around these parts. Happy Christmas from Nottingham, UK.

[@ThePandaPoacher]

Had me convinced at "buttered itself".

[@thehighhopes5336]

Merry Christmas to you too. I think that you have the best channel on KZbin. Watching "living history" is just amazing. Thank you for sharing. Respect from Baltimore.

[@bubbagump2341]

My grandma used to roast a goose and a couple of ducks for Christmas Dinner every year. So delicious!

[@papajeff5486]

Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Sad to watch you sit alone. Such a fine meal, in a beautiful setting, with some excellent teaching, would have been nice to top off with family. I wish you well, warm and loving people wrapped around all the good eats you prepare this Christmas. Texas

[@danieldavies4961]

Merry Christmas thanks for the work

[@KyneburgheHannah]

Another lovely recipe demonstration. May your Christmas be merry and bright.

[@penniecormier8770]

With goose, everyone wants a portion of that crispy skin! Looks wonderful! Merry Christmas!

[@grahamepinches5691]

Thankyou very much for a lovely channel and Season's Greetings from Cumbria in England.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

This looks wonderful! Some of the best wild meat I've ever tasted was goose that had been roasted nicely. Our cook for the occasion had stuffed the body cavity with apples and onions and herbs. Fabulous flavor!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Apples do not agree with me. I made poultry with citrus, (orange) before and it was great.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

@@dwaynewladyka577 I think both ways work for poultry! And you're making me extra hungry! Lolz

[@dwaynewladyka577]

@@rosemcguinn5301 My grandmothers were great cooks. So was my mother, but she passed away when I was very young, so I don't remember. Most of my aunts were great cooks too. That's why I love cooking. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.

[@rosemcguinn5301]

@@dwaynewladyka577 And a very Merry Christmas to you and yours, friend! :)

[@Therockerrick]

You never cease to amaze👍 great job Sir, thank you for the content you all provide.

[@Kuraerisu]

Written text: Goose Me, reading said text: heh, goofe

[@TruIyDead]

ok

[@wilsoncahoon268]

I and my sister lived in north Carolina and geese were plentiful . We had them at Christmas what a wonderful memory. Our mom and dad let us roast marshmallows in the wood stove and watch March of the Wooden soldiers

[@NetTopsey]

I tried a goose about 4 years ago and it didn't go well. I won't even talk about the amount of fat that came off it. Perhaps I should have done a different recipe, or over a fire instead of the oven. This seems much nicer than the one I did. Merry Christmas to you and all the employees and families of Townsends, and the fans of this channel!!

[@douglashagedorn7717]

Goose most definitely should be cooked on a rack so as to let the fat drip away, it makes a huge difference in the flavor.

[@xkeepersvk]

We usualy drain the fat mid way and let it crisp. Try it again its great tasting meat.

[@madgardener5820]

Don't give up, James

[@stephaniewilson3955]

That fat is wonderful for cooking. Crepes cooked in goose fat are wonderful. So are roast potatoes.

[@margochristensen7440]

His reaction to trying the finished dishes is so enthusiastic and real, I feel like I could taste it too. I've always wanted to try goose.

[@CathyMiller0711]

Merry Christmas to everyone at Townsends!

[@marydepew8062]

Merry Christmas! Another wonderful, informative, "time-travel" experience! I've only cooked goose once, but I think I may have better luck with this recipe. Thank you!

[@stevethecountrycook1227]

Roasting a goose or duck in this manner is a difficult task to have the entire bird done without burning! Takes a watchful eye. Well done Jon!! Hip Hip Hoorah!

[@michaelpriest6242]

This is a wonderful video made even better with enhancing musical accompaniment, great editing, and your wonderful, enthusiastic narration. Beautifully done!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

That goose looks really good. Full of nice aromatics and flavour. I saw videos where Native North Americans, like the Cree, would roast their goose in a similar manner, using string. The goose was suspended over an fire and cooked nicely. Thanks for all your great videos and live chats. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cheers!

[@ShausagePizza]

Love your show, it’s good to turn down the noise of this world and watch what it was like years ago. Thanks so much for doing your show!

[@frequentfiler]

This is a great sounding recipe. I can just imagine doing a goose on Christmas Eve as a traditional get together. Followed by a reading of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" of course. Now I'm hungry! LOL!!

[@dpr6582]

This was a nice break from all my chores. Looking forward to trying some cooking in my fireplace this winter.

[@wadejustanamerican1201]

Merry Christmas to all of you!

[@squatchburger1580]

And a wonderful new year to you !

[@annihlud6569]

This was great I am hopefully going to give this a try in the near future.

[@benjaminharrisongray9079]

Embden is your best meat goose for the price. Stuff 'em with apples, walnut and Vidalia onion, give that a try. Then just rub it all over with coarse salt and peppercorn. About 20 to 30 minutes per pound.

[@Rosenbane]

Looks delicious! I've had goose once for Christmas during the year I spent in Germany. Some of my best memories, and very different to the typical Christmas we have in Australia. Cheers John!

[@ram29jackson]

I live in Salem Oregon. theres Geese everywhere.. coincidentally, they arent protected.. Dinner!!!

[@jontgreene]

I never thought to use beets as a garnish. Looks great with the lemons. Merry Christmas!

[@livingformessiah586]

Merry Christmas Townsends

[@lindacaldwell6251]

Merry Christmas to all from North Manchester!!

[@worldofretrogameplay6963]

Am I the only one who watches TownSends and thinks, ‘Hurry up and start cooking; I’m hungry!’ 😂 😆

[@jeffreycoulter4095]

Thank you for completing my holidays. Christmas goose is something I have always wanted to try to cook. Now. I am more confident than ever before. Merry Christmas to you and your staff.

[@byronrudrow7938]

Marry Christmas to all you Colonial Folks.🎄

[@andrewmontgomery6315]

Fantastic video man your channel is really a light in my life thank you for your presence

[@VladSWG]

A period appropriate way to ensure your goose stays loose is by slowly buy steadily inject a mixture or suet and sack sprinkled with nutmeg. The chemical reaction not only prevents the goose from drying up but the resulting smells scare away unwanted relatives, nosy neighbors and in some cases, vegans. 😂 As always a treat to watch your videos. Thanks for the upload💖

[@j.j.savalle4714]

Love cooked goose. Have been lucky enough to have it a few times and it is always excellent. Thanks for sharing! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@cptcrogge]

Lovely, we eat often goose during festivals in Germany

[@pfalzgraf7527]

Hope you had a really great Christas - and I wish you a very good 2020!

[@misterturkturkle]

I feel peronally attacked by this.

[@Sentryunit582]

Ohhh no

[@mustavertwang]

Grey Lag Goose is native to my country and was the traditional Christmas meal celebration!Greetings from England.

[@Cinemaphile7783]

Merry Christmas!

[@claytonyoung9941]

Excellent episode my friend, I must try this now! My mouth was watering watching that goose turn in the fire-and when you carved it up, ugh forget about it! I have to try one now!

[@veronicavatter6436]

Goose fat makes the best roast potatoes!! They sell jars of it in Europe.

[@beth12svist]

Also best buchty. Which are in fact sweet (leavened dough with filling). (Allegedly. I've never done it with goose fat, but I have done it with pork lard - the nice home-processed-style kind - and that's good, too.)

[@timkibben8004]

Beautifully cooked bird--it looked delicious! Thank you Townsend family and friends. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

[@mafiastud6558]

Merry Christmas Jon!!!!!

[@karlo8093]

I've always wanted to do a Christmas Goose. Thanks for showing us how. Good job Jon!

[@suzismith9681]

That looks totally yum. My nana used to have that when I was a young ' un. Haven't seen a goose at table since. I guess they've gone out of fashion

[@michaelgutman4910]

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@5argetech56]

God bless us, everyone... -- Tiny Tim

[@courtneymullen3259]

Great job. We should get back to basics. Try to cook like this. My husband and I try to.

[@koretechx1]

I wanted so badly to roast a goose for Christmas this year. Sadly, the only local shops that sell goose and duck charge astronomical prices. The lowest price goose still cost $75! Ah well, maybe next year! Haha! This looked wonderful! Thank you for this one especially! Love your channel. Please keep up the wonderful work and merry Christmas to all of you there!

[@mrdanforth3744]

Someone else said in his area, prices are discounted by 70% after Christmas. So you might still be able to enjoy a New Year's feast of goose.

[@madgardener5820]

Utterly fantastic, John I'm going to try it that way over the fire. But maybe in the spring! Sometimes our neighbour brings us a goose from his shoot. They take a lot of plucking ( the missus and I take it in shifts) but well worth the effort. It's good to hear that you cook it for a short time. So often these days people over cook their food. When you taste it, I can taste it too. Thank you for letting me join you on this journey. All the best to you, your family and all who make this possible. Merry Christmas X

[@jesusismylordandsaviourame1358]

Merry Christmas ♡

[@suzanneflynn7777]

God, I just love you Jon! You have become a life saver in these VERY uncertain times. You've taken many of us right out of our reality - which is ugly right now - and back into a time that was truly respectful, decent and lovely despite its hardships - men and women working in harmony together with their environment and the distinct seasons and all the riches they had to offer. I'm ready to dive back into the 18th century and stay there! Those hardships seem light now in comparison to what we are enduring today - you have struck a nerve with people who harkin back to a simpler and more civil time in our history. Thank you again - watching these shows has been soothing and promising to me at this time. I want to build my own homestead!!!

[@iambeeman1]

Just a word of warning: fire roasting a goose or duck is a little like trying to fire roast a can of gasoline.

[@kck9742]

😬

[@Michael_______]

I'll keep that in mind

[@iambeeman1]

Figure out a way to keep it from bursting into flames, and its totally worth it. It's so tasty. Duck loves smoke!

[@iambeeman1]

@SeriousName I'm using our homemade fire pit, and I figured out a baffle system that drains the oil out side of the pit and prevents the flames from having direct contact with the bird. That way you can turn your back on it and not worry.

[@geoffreyu.8857]

Looks to be using indirect heat. Probably reduces the likelihood of flames.

[@calebleland8390]

I haven't had goose in years. I absolutely love it.My dad once fixed one with saurkraut dressing. I wonder if there are any recipes for such a thing in your old cookbooks, considering there was a considerable German and Dutch population at the time,

[@thewarmedic2330]

Keep up the great work mate!

[@tetchedistress]

A lovely video. Merry Christmas and Thank you so much!

[@JS-wp4gs]

One thing i'll say about goose is that given how fatty it is it does tend to make an excellent gravy, very rich and flavorful. Much more so than a turkey or chicken

[@kck9742]

It's also great for frying eggs in!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

@@kck9742 It's also good for roasting potatoes in.

[@kck9742]

@@dwaynewladyka577 Potatoes are glorious in any form, as long as they're cooked! :-) Merry Christmas, Dwayne!

[@72buffaloman]

I hope you never stop making these you tube videos. Your channel has literally became my televsion .other then the history channel this is my favorite channel to watch .

[@Tallacus]

Its nice to hear people say Merry Christmas

[@vegasbattleborn1594]

And Merry Christmas to you!

[@damionbrimstone1475]

Merry Christmas to the entire Townsend family. Thanks for another great year of videos, I can't wait to visit the shop again. It's time for a new pot.

[@randyrodriguez4186]

john flexing hard with that FINEAPPLE in the background. bad boy costs about as much as a good horse just to rent. one day im gonna get out out the farm and me a big city job, learn to read, get a trade, and maybe if dont get pneumonia by the time im 14 in 8 years, be rich enough to rent one of those FINEAPPLES

[@UnfilteredMedic]

Even when I've eaten and not hungry, the food videos always make me hungry again!! Merry Christmas!!

[@GainesMediaInc]

"Tell me Spirit...what will become of Tiny Tim?"

[@turns-jt7te]

We are coming back around for another Christmas. I can't wait! 😁

[@sebastiansebastian3691]

Always wanted to try a goose for Christmas thanks for sharing this. ~*°🎄Merry Christmas⛄°*~ 🍷Cheers!🌟

[@jeannecooke4862]

Beautiful Goose et al! Thank you! Happy Holidays!