Roast local partridge with creamed potato & roast root vegetables

Serves 4

MethodPreheat oven to 170�C.

1. Dice all the vegetables to the same size and place them into a roasting tray, season with salt and pepper and add a good splash of olive oil before mixing, then place into the oven.

2. Whilst the vegetables are roasting, put your potatoes into a pan with the skins still on. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt and bring them to the boil, then simmer until cooked. Cooking in the skins will giveyou a drier mash which is easier to work with when adding butter and cream, leaving a richer taste.

3. Once cooled remove from the heat and drain using a cloth. Peel off the outside skins and mash well, slowly adding as much or as little butter and cream- according to your preference.

4. Once your root vegetables are nearly cooked, add the golden syrup and continue to roast for 10 minutes before removing from the oven.

Syrup is a better option than honey as it has a higher burn factor leaving a delicious golden glaze.

5. Seal the partridge on all sides in a frying pan then place into the oven- still at 170�C, for 8- 10 minutes until firm. Remove and rest the partridge on a cooling wire for 5 minutes.

6. Remove the legs and the breast from the bone as you would a chicken and serve with the creamed potato, roasted vegetables and beef stock sauce.

The Bear's Paw, School Lane,Warmingham, Sandbach, CW11 3QN01270 526317www.thebearspaw.co.uk