On The First Day Of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me…
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
OK – first, I’d like to point out that partridge don’t live in pear trees. They are, for the most part, a ground-dwelling bird who will build their nests under shrubs, or in burrows left behind by gophers or rabbits. But hey – details.
I grew up eating partridge. Dad was a hunter, and every chance he got to bring home partridge, he would. Except for that one time that the dog beat him to it. Partridge is lovely and delicate, with a kind of earthy sweetness to it. It’s quite lean, so brining or marinating is a good call, as is basting, if you decide to roast the bird. A slow braise works beautifully with partridge – it’s fall-off-the-bone tender in a very short period of time. (more…)