My daughter Karen is back from South Africa & with Kristin coming to see us in a few months, I wanted to start preparing some of the South African dishes I have heard so much about. One is called “Ostruducken.” We visited a nearby Ostrich ranch in Watsonville, California … and started to look eye-to-eye with possible dinner candidates. Karen had her own take on the day at the farm. Jose’ showed us his home made (the best kind) smokers he has for his personal use… fantastic!
I am a fan of these multiple bird within a bird meals, especially our family favorite “Turducken” ( a chicken within a duck within a turkey and all with their own stuffing!). The “Ostriducken” sounds like a true feast! Here is a little history of the multiple bird meal:
“The largest recorded nested bird roast is 17 birds, attributed to a royal feast in France in the 19th century: a bustergophechiduckneaealcockidgeoverwingailusharkolanbler (originally called a Rôti Sans Pareil, or “Roast without equal”)…”
As far as the accompanying wine goes, thanks to Peter May of Pinotage Fame, I am beginning to learn about some of the wonderful wines of South Africa… and “Pinotage” in particular. Some I have bought on-line, some are on order, and some have already been… er… “sampled”.
The male Ostrich in the picture is not tiny, I am 6’4″ (1.93 m) tall… so my Ostrich friend is none too small…. but looks delicious although a bit of a challenge for my barbecue.
However, where there is a will, there is a way.
Roger Freberg
PS. Yep, eating Ostrich also reduces ‘global warming’, “saves whales” and “promotes world peace’…well… it couldn’t hurt.