Wild Garlic Rolled & Stuffed Cockerel – A Mother’s Day Centrepiece
Here at Swaledale Butchers, we have a lot of love for our mothers. We appreciate the significant and vital role they have played in our families and, so, we wanted to create something beautiful to help our customers celebrate Mothering Sunday. Something simple, seasonal, and delicious that can provide the centrepiece to your table - a chance to give a little back to your dear mother.

And what better way to do that than with half a free-range, slow-grown cockerel, expertly boned and stuffed with a rich pork farce, spiked with wild garlic and fragrant fennel pollen? The deep, succulent flavour of the cockerel pairs beautifully with the vibrant pungency of wild garlic, making this a true celebration of spring.

Gently brown the bird in a large pan, taking time to colour the skin all over, before transferring to the oven until perfectly cooked. Serve with a dish of gratin dauphinoise, bubbling and golden, a crisp green salad, and a large jug of homemade gravy - a feast fit to honour both cockerel and mother.

For a seasonal twist, why not add artichoke to the mix? Though daunting at first, once prepped to reveal its tender heart, you unlock one of the world’s great vegetables. Slice artichoke, potato, and fennel, season well, and drench in olive oil. Add a few slices of lemon and plenty of sage leaves, then roast for 30 minutes in a hot oven for a deeply flavourful side dish that complements the cockerel perfectly.

To complete the meal, pair this dish with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir to balance the richness of the cockerel and the earthy notes of wild garlic. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling elderflower cordial makes a delightful choice.

This Mother’s Day, let this dish be more than just a meal - let it be a gesture of gratitude, a celebration of love, and a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food with those who matter most.