Gertrude's Roasted Teal

Teal are small of the wild ducks--much smaller than Cornish game hens. Armand and Gordon Riggs were avid hunters and frequently shot Teal. Gertrude and Armand lived in Westlake, and I remember going to their house on many occassions (the blue swivel chairs that Gramma had, and which Steve and Kharla now possess, were originally Gertrude's) to eat amongst other things Teal. Mom would also cook these at home-Armand would bring them over. I seem to remember that they were cooked in foil, but I also remember that the skin was very crunchy. However she cooked them, they didn't take long and were roasted at a very high heat.

Roast small whole teal, breast-side down, in a 425 degree preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve one or two birds per person.