Roast grouse for New Year

Our first Sunday dinner of 2012 was something I had wanted to try for years, but had never been able to get hold of - grouse.

We went to a food lovers market in Malton last November, and we were pleased to see a stall selling game, including the elusive grouse. We just had to buy some, and so we bought two.

Although some recipes suggest one grouse per person, we cut one in half, meaning that we have one left for another time. It was just the right size.

The grouse, with a few game chips and the bacon it had been topped with

We served the grouse with game chips, bread sauce and steamed cabbage, which were perfect accompaniments.

I always enjoy game, I only ever eat free range meat, and grouse is the ultimate free range bird.