Episode 2: Free Range Fruitcake and Spiced Roast Goose
"Hello everybody and welcome back to a new episode of our show cooking with Astrid and Hiccup. I'm Hiccup and this is my lovely co-host and girlfriend Astrid." Hiccup introduces as he and Astrid take the stage arm in arm.
The red velvet cord hung again on stage and this time Astrid hurried behind the counter. Astrid was looking smug as Hiccup pulled the cord. The rumbling from above could be heard and then a mountain of envelopes fell on Astrid once again.
"Thor damn that producer!" Astrid shouted after spitting out an envelope. Hiccup picked up the envelope and read it.
"Let's see, our recipe for today is fruitcake sent in by RedLegoManiac." Hiccup read as Astrid was busy extricating herself from the pile.
Ruffnut suddenly ran on stage and whispered something in Hiccup's ear.
"Looks like we'll be making another recipe today as we'll be having some very special guests on the show." Hiccup stated. "Our other recipe will be Spiced roast goose, and here are our guests."
As Hiccup said this, two people were led to a table prepared by Ruffnut. "Mom, Dad?!" Astrid asked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Well honey, we'll be your taste testers for this episode." Astrid's mom answered.
Hiccup waved at the Hoffersons while Astrid shook away her incredulous look.
"For the fruitcake we'll need 1 cup golden raisins, 1 cup currants, 1/2 cup sun dried cranberries, 1/2 cup sun dried blueberries, 1/2 cup sun dried cherries, 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped, Zest of one lemon, chopped coarsely, Zest of one orange, chopped coarsely, 1/4 cup candied ginger, chopped, 1 cup gold rum, 1 cup sugar, 5 ounces unsalted butter (1 1/4 sticks), 1 cup unfiltered apple juice, 4 whole cloves, ground, 6 allspice berries, ground, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 eggs, 1/4 to 1/2 cup toasted pecans, broken, and Brandy for basting and/or spritzing." Hiccup summed up as more than half the counter was now full with ingredients.
"First we combine dried fruits, candied ginger and both zests. Add rum and macerate overnight, or microwave for 5 minutes to rehydrate fruit." Hiccup stated and Astrid added the ingredients in a bowl.
"Place fruit and liquid in a non-reactive pot with the sugar, butter, apple juice and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil stirring often, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for at least 15 minutes." Hiccup said, then added as an afterthought "The batter can be completed up to this point, then covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before completing cake."
"Heat oven to 325 degrees."
"Then combine dry ingredients and sift into fruit mixture. Quickly bring batter together with a large wooden spoon, then stir in eggs one at a time until completely integrated, then fold in nuts." Hiccup said and watched Astrid with a curious expression.
"Astrid, what are you doing?" Hiccup asked.
"Folding the nuts." Astrid said while getting frustrated. Both of her parents facepalmed at this scene while the audience gave large guffaws.
"That girl." Her dad muttered exasperated as Hiccup showed her what he meant.
"Next spoon into a 10-inch non-stick loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting toothpick into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, it's done. If not, bake another 10 minutes, and check again." Hiccup said as he loaded the pan in the oven while taking out a premade one.
"Remove the cake from oven and place on cooling rack or trivet. Baste or spritz top with brandy and allow to cool completely before turning out from pan." Hiccup said as Astrid began spritzing.
"When cake is completely cooled, seal in a tight sealing, food safe container. Every 2 to 3 days, feel the cake and if dry, spritz with brandy. The cake's flavor will enhance considerably over the next two weeks." Hiccup said this and had to stop Astrid from spritzing more.
The audience let out a collective sigh as nothing went wrong at this point.
"Our next recipe is Spiced Roast Goose, and we'll need 4 cups water, divided, 2/3 cup soy sauce, 1 stalk celery, chopped, 1/4 cup dried onion flakes or 1 small onion, chopped, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 (10 -12 lb) goose, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon anise seed, 1/4 cup cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons cold water." Hiccup said just as Astrid appeared with a very big goose.
"For the marinade combine 2 cups water with 2/3 cups soy sauce, celery, dried onion and 1 tablespoon sugar in a large saucepan; bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook uncovered until the celery is tender, stirring frequently." Hiccup said while Astrid demonstrated. "Cool mixture to room temperature. Pour the marinade into a large resealable bag; add in whole goose, then seal bag and turn to coat."
At this point Astrid was getting frustrated as the goose was a bit too big to fit in the bag. It took both of Hiccup and Astrid pushing to finally get the bird in.
"Refrigerate it for 4 hours turning several times. After 4 hours of refrigeration time discard marinade." Hiccup said as he placed the goose in the fridge while taking out one which was made earlier for the show.
"Sprinkle JUST THE INSIDE of the goose cavity with salt and pepper." Hiccup said as Astrid made the goose sit on a small chair on the counter while sprinkling salt and pepper inside.
"That's a unique way of doing it." Hiccup sweat-dropped, as did the rest of the audience and crew.
"Next rub the outside of the goose with vegetable oil." As Hiccup said this he saw Astrid thoroughly, and sensually, massage the goose. "Astrid seriously!" Hiccup asked as Astrid cocked an eyebrow.
"What?!" Astrid asked, stopping.
"Nothing, nothing,… let's just continue on." Hiccup said hastily. "Place goose on a shallow roasting pan and set oven to 325 degrees."
"In a small cup or bowl combine the cinnamon with garlic powder and anise; rub spice mixture all over the outside of the goose." Hiccup said, not looking at Astrid as she began rubbing the goose again.
"Bake UNCOVERED for 30 minutes. Meanwhile while the goose is cooking; in a small saucepan combine the vinegar with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, honey, remaining 2 cups water; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered until reduced by about half. Remove the goose from oven and baste the goose generously with honey mixture. Sprinkle lightly with salt." Hiccup explained.
"Return to oven and bake UNCOVERED for another 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with foil and return to oven to bake for about 1-1/2 to 2 more hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180 degrees, basting occasionally with remaining honey mixture if desired." Hiccup said as he got some plates out.
"Let stand covered with foil for about 20 minutes or more before carving, do not prick with a fork or slice during this time or juices will flow out of the goose. For the gravy; strain pan juices, then skim and discard any fat. In a small saucepan combine cornstarch with cold water until smooth; whisk into the pan juices and bring to a boil, cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve the gravy with the goose." Hiccup began plating the dishes as he explained.
He brought them over to Mr. and Mrs. Hofferson. Astrid's mom took a bite and her eyes widened. She grabbed Hiccup and hugged him tightly. "Oh my Thor, our prayers have been answered!"
Astrid's father simply rolled his eyes. "Aren't you exaggerating?" He asked to which his wife stuffed his mouth with some goose after letting Hiccup go. After tasting the recipe Astrid's father proceeded to hug the air out of Hiccup. "Oh Thor please, please marry our daughter. We have prayed forever for her to find someone who could cook!"
"I'm not that bad a cook dad." Astrid muttered with arms crossed.
"Honey, you blew up pancakes. PANCAKES!" Her mother stated as she hugged Hiccup again. "Welcome to the family son!"
Hiccup who was rasping for air said "That's all for today's episode. W…We'll see you next time."
Producer's note: (was busy stuffing envelopes in a compartment)…(There was a sound…turns around to see Astrid with her axe)…Eeep… (quickly hides)
Astrid: (muttering)"Where is that producer?"