For the grouse
1. Take the grouse out of the fridge so that they can come to room temperature before you start cooking, and preheat the oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed roasting tin. Season the grouse well, inside and out, then sear them in the tin until golden brown all over. Add the diced vegetables, baby onions and thyme sprigs to the tin.
3. Place the grouse on one breast and roast in the hot oven for 3-4 minutes. Flip the birds on to the other breast and roast for another three minutes.
4. Pour brandy into the cavity of both birds and place them on their back to finish roasting – another five minutes.
5. Remove the tin from the oven and leave the grouse to rest for 10 minutes out of the tin, breast upwards, so the juices are evenly distributed. Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon for later use, and set aside the pan juices.
6. Put the roasting tin back on the heat on top of the stove and begin to reduce the cooking juices. Add the chicken stock, bring to the boil and let the sauce reduce and thicken. Take off the heat and pass through a fine sieve – keep warm until ready to serve.
For the roasted vegetables
1. Heat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4. Place the beetroot quarters into a saucepan and pour in enough water to cover. Add salt and bring to the boil. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the beetroot is nearly cooked. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, peel the Jerusalem artichokes, cut them in half and immerse in a bowl of cold water with the lemon juice added to stop them discolouring. Cut the pumpkin into thick slices. Heat a large non-stick ovenproof frying pan (or a cast-iron roasting pan) over a medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place the pumpkin and Jerusalem artichokes into the pan, season with salt and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they start to colour.
3. Transfer the whole pan to the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Cut the par-cooked beetroot into wedges, add to the pan and cook in the oven for a further five minutes.
4. Meanwhile, make the dressing. Combine the chopped hazelnuts, shallots, chives and hazelnut oil in a bowl. Add a splash of sherry vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
To serve
Once the grouse have rested, carve the legs and breast meat on to a plate and spoon over the pan juices. Serve the roasted vegetables alongside with the dressing and watercress on top.
