ROAST PARTRIDGE

4 partridges (one per person), ready prepared
4 sprigs fresh thyme plus a few leaves
12 juniper berries
salt and freshly ground pepper
8 slices streaky bacon
mix of butter, olive oil
selection of wild & exotic mushrooms
olive oil

Pre heat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF Gas Mark 6.

Place 1 sprig of thyme, 3 juniper berries in the cavity of each bird and season with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with some string before cooking.

Spread softened butter and oil over the birds and place a rasher of bacon on each breast. Put in a roasting pan and cook for 30 minutes. To check the bird is cooked, place a skewer in between the leg and breast and the birds are cooked when the juices run clear.

Pour some of the juice into a small saucepan and keep on a low heat. In the meantime heat a little olive oil and sauté a selection of wild mushrooms in season.

Place the mushrooms on the plate together with the partridge and crispy bacon. Serve with a little of the heated juice, braised cabbage and mashed potato.