ROAST PARTRIDGE WITH SAGE, THYME AND CIDER

Partridge punches above its weight when it comes to flavour and texture, and a carefully roasted brace makes a fine supper for two.

Serves 2

2 oven-ready partridges

1 bunch of sage

1 bunch of thyme sprigs

1 garlic bulb, halved around its circumference 2 large knobs of butter

100ml cider

150ml cream

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/

Gas 6. Place the partridges in a small flameproof roasting tray, then tuck the herbs in and around the birds. Add the two halves of the garlic bulb and season well with salt and pepper. Place a knob of butter on top of each bird and place the roasting tray in the oven. roast the partridges for 20-25 minutes, until the skin is golden brown.

remove the roasting tray from the oven and transfer the birds to a clean plate, positioning them upside down and leaving them to rest somewhere warm.

Meanwhile, place the roasting tray directly over a medium heat. To make the sauce, add the cider and bring the contents of the tray to the boil. Add the cream and stir in the mustard. Bring the sauce back to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes, until nicely reduced and beginning to thicken. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. return the birds to the roasting tray along with any juices left on the plate.

Bring to the table in the tray, then place one bird on each plate and spoon over plenty of sauce. Serve with buttery mashed potato.