Preheat the oven to 150ºC/300ºF/Gas Mark 2. Remove most of the fat from each shank, then scrape the meat away from the bone to loosen it. Make 2 deep incisions in each joint and insert a sprig of rosemary and a sliver of garlic wrapped in half an anchovy fillet into each incision. Season the meat with salt and black pepper. Heat the goose fat in a heavy sauté pan or casserole and sauté the meat in it until well browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pan. Add the carrots, celery, leeks, onion, and garlic and cook over high heat until well browned. Add the red wine to the pan and bring to a boil, stir for a minute or two. Add the chicken stock, herbs, and orange peel to the pan, then place the lamb shanks on top. Cover and cook in the oven for 4 hours. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and brown the bacon in it. Then reduce the heat and add the carrot, celery, onion, and garlic and cook for 8 minutes approx. or until the vegetables have softened. Add the chopped tinned tomatoes, herbs, flageolets, and enough stock to half cover the beans. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes – 1 hour. When the lamb has finished cooking, remove the thyme, bay leaves, and orange peel. Taste and correct seasoning. Serve the lamb shanks on a hot deep dish with the beans and vegetables poured over and around. Garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme.   Visit Our Shop

First top and tail the gooseberries. Tie 2 or 3 elderflower heads in a little square of muslin, put in a stainless steel or enamelled saucepan, add the sugar and cover with cold water. Bring slowly to the boil and continue to boil for 2 minutes. Add the gooseberries and simmer just until the fruit bursts. Allow to get cold. Serve in a pretty bowl and decorate with fresh elderflowers. Serve with elderflower cream Note: The tart green gooseberries must actually burst otherwise the compote of fruit will be too bitter.