[hermon]

this will be my first meat in 14 years and i have mixed feelings over it, we are having pheasant from the local farm which is wild (even though they are breed then put in the wild) anyway i'm having a battle with my morals.. too late its in the freezer!! :roll:  what i want to know is how long to cook it for and do i defrost it in the fridge overnight? its only a small bird. :?

[mumofstig]

hi sorry you're not looking forward to cooking it.

I would defrost it for at least 24 hrs in fridge, cos i've had a small chicken still frozen next day when i've only put it in to defrost late at night.  :shock:
Hope this helps and good luck.

[hermon]

thanks for the reply, any idea how long they take to cook and how do i tell when its done?

[mumofstig]

Try this it's the only way i've done it. Trouble is it can get very dry that's why the clarets there!! Maybe need less cooking if you've only got a very small bird.

Place pheasant on rack in baking tin and brush all over with melted butter.Season with S & P. Bake in centre of moderate oven (180 c or Gas Mk 4) for about 40 mins until tender
Cover bottom of baking tin with red wine . When hot, baste bird well with the wine. Continue to roast until cooked to taste (35 mins should do it), basting frequently with the wine  .
Serve with gravy made from the wine and juices
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[agapanthus]

Don't forget to put rashers of  streaky bacon on top of the bird....stops it from getting dry!!!

[hermon]

oh, can't do bacon its going to be hard enough doing pheasant, i'm only eating it because its wild i couldn't eat anything farmed.....yes i know the only reason the birds where breed is to be shot but at least not all of them will be if some escape and then there's the whole travelling and slaughter house, been a veggie for 14 years, i guest i can't say that after Christmas dinner?!! :cry:

[mumofstig]

why are you even thinking of cooking pheasant if ur veggie. I always did lovely veggie things for Christmas while i had a veggie partner.

Either you're a veggie or you're not. Don't let anybody else change your mind. If they are your friends or family they should know they won't get meat....so sorry don't understand. :?

Sorry......moan over

But hope you have a lovely meal whatever you decide