Crispy Duck, Apples, Leeks and Potatoes

[jat]

Crispy Duck, Apples, Leeks and Potatoes

Here's a simple little meal. The side dishes complete

the dinner plate, there is a good marriage of flavors.

I'm including the shallot peppercorn dressing rather than

a sweet blackberry or cherry sauce. The Fugi Apples

provide this very good sweetness.

DUCK WITH CRISPY SKIN

Purchase duck with 2 breasts attatched with center bone.

Salt and pepper both sides.

Cook duck over medium heat in skillet. After 8 min. the

duck should be nicely browned. Remove excess fat.

Place in 450 degree oven. Bake skin side down for 5 min.

Flip duck over and bake anothe 5 min. for medium-rare.

(Duck is most tender medium rare). Let rest before slicing.

Tip: I absolutely love my new Taylor thermometer. You insert a prong in the meat, while a timer lets you know

when it has reached the internal temp you want, and it's

read on the countertop or a magnet stays on the outside of

the stove. Cost is $25.00

DUCK SAUCES

Slice enough shallots to make 3/4 to 1 cup shallots

1 T. of cracked peppersorns

La Bodega Sherry Vinegar 1/4 cup plus 2 T.

Cook on medium high until dry.

Now you can divide up and make 2 sauces:

Add 1 cup of veal stock, 1 T. sugar, 1 T. butter.

THis equals one cup.

2nd sauce, add 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of cream, 1 t.

grainy mustard. This equals 3/4 cup.

FUGI APPLE SIDE DISH

In saute pan, add slices of fugi apples (peeled and cored).

Add 1 cup of water in pan, 2 T. of sugar, 1 t. salt, 3 oz.

butter. Cook medium high heat. Cover with parchment paper

with hole in middle so steam can escape and apples get so

tender! (Or put lid 3/4 of the way). Cook until apples

are carmelized. They should get a nice deep golden color.

LEEK SIDE DISH

6 LEEKS Cut greens off, they are bitter. Use whites only.

Tip: check to see if the inside is hard, it means they are

older. Make 2 cuts so you have 4 slits. Make sure all dirt

is removed. Steam in salted water about 25 min. Take out of

steamer and wqueeze out excess water. Put 1 T. of butter

in saucepan, and make a noisette, slightly burnt butter.

Gives it a nutty taste, add chopped garlic if desired or

shallots, salt and pepper. Very basic.

POTATOES GRATIN 25 to 30 min. to cook

Start by rubbing a 9 by 12 pan or equivalent size with

1/2 head of garlic. (i garlic head split in half).

Peel Yukon Gold potatoes, and use a mandolin only for

this dish it's important to have even cooking. Layer

the potatoes. 3 layers is best.

SAUCE for the potatoes:

1 3/4 cup of heavy cream or whipping cream

Grate nutmeg until all the cream is covered.

Pour sauce over potatoes and press hand over potatoes so

the sauce goes into the bottom layer.

2 1/2 t. of salt

Cover well with grated parmesean cheese, about 1/2 C plus.

Cook 15 - 20 min. at 350 degrees, cover with foil, remove

and continue to cook 15 more min.

Suggestions for salades: Tomatoes with green beans and a

balsemic vinaigrette, Julienned apples with goat cheese.

Endive with walnuts. Spinach, apples and coconut oil dressing.

Keywords: Main Dish, Side, Easy, Duck

( RG824 )