Chinese Honey Goose

If the goose is frozen, thaw it thoroughly. Rinse the goose well and blot it completely dry with paper towels. Insert a meat hook near the neck.

Using a sharp knife, cut the lemon into 1/4-inch slices, leaving the rind on. Combine the lemon slices with the rest of the honey syrup ingredients in a large pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Using a large ladle or spoon, pour this mixture over the goose several times, as if to bathe it, until all of the skin is completely coated with the mixture. Hang the goose in a cool, well-ventilated place to dry for 4-or-5 hours, or hang it in front of a cold fan for about 3 hours--in either case, the longer the better. Once the goose has dried, the surface of the skin will feel like parchment.

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.

Meanwhile, place the goose on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Put 2/3 cup of water into the roasting pan. Now put the goose into the oven and roast it for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F and continue to roast for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Remove the goose from the oven and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before you carve it. Using a cleaver or sharp knife, cut the skin and meat into pieces and arrange them on a warm platter.