Line a large baking tray with aluminium foil. Use old vegetables, potatoes or an add wire rack to the bottom of the tin. This will raise the goose to make sure it doesn't sit in the fat.
Remove all the fat you can from inside the goose. (You can keep this for goose fat potatoes or pop it in the food waste).
Move the goose to a clean and empty sink.
Sit the goose in an empty sink and using a knife cut lines over the top.
Slowly pour over a kettleful of boiling water while it's in the sink. Repeat the process a few more times until the skin is tight. Leave the goose to cool, then pat dry with kitchen paper.
Move the goose to the lined oven tray.
To fill in the cavity slice the orange, cut an entire bulb of garlic in half, roughly chop the onions and fresh herbs too.
Mix together and scoop it into the bird. (Although it isn’t eaten it’s nice to use them as it helps the centre of the bird from drying out. It also smells rather delightful when it’s cooking.)
Weave or lay the bacon slices over the top of the goose.
Wrap the goose in aluminium foil and pop it in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes.
For the glaze, mix the honey with cinnamon, salt and pepper. Set aside until you need it.
After the first 1 hour, 30 minutes remove from the oven and remove the goose from the tin. Drain away any goose fat (not down the sink as the fat can block your sink - we pour it into a cup and then once cool and hardened scoop it in the food waste.)
Pop the goose back in the tin, recover with the foil and return to the oven until there are 15 minutes left on the cooking time. Check the notes below for how long you need it to cook it for.
When there are 15 minutes left take out the goose and remove the foil and the bacon. Drizzle over the glaze and pop the goose back in the oven for 15 minutes.
Check the goose is cooked by sticking a knife into the flesh and check the juices run clear. Make sure to check the wings and in the thicker areas.
When the goose is cooked remove from the oven. Wrap it in aluminium foil and leave it to rest for 30 minutes. It will stay hot. You can add a tea towel on top of the foil too if you are worried about it going cold.
Serve and Enjoy at Christmas with friends and family. We placed the goose on a bed of oranges and placed the bacon back on for presentation.
Video
Notes
To adjust for your size goose - roast your goose for 30 minutes per kilo.4 kg will feed 4-5 people. It will take 2 hours to cook.4.5 kg will feed 4-6 people. It will take 2 hours 15 minutes to cook.5 kg will feed 5-6 people. It will take 2 hours 30 minutes to cook.5.5 kg will feed 6-7 people. It will take 2 hours 45 minutes to cook.6 kg will feed 8-10 people. It will take 3 hours to cook.