Duck with Sweet and Sour Sauce
Food & Wine's Holiday Favorites
Duck with Sweet and Sour Sauce
Food & Wine's Holiday Favorites
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1 (4 1/2 to 5 pound) duck, at room temperature, excess fat removed salt and fresh ground black pepper 1 onion quartered 2 ribs celery, chopped 1 bay leaf 1/2 pound sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1 inch pieces 1/2 pounds shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps chopped coarse 2 cups apple cider 1 tablespoon flour 2 tablespoons Cognac or other brandy 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Directions: Heat the oven to 400°F. Season the duck inside and out with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Twist the wings behind and tie the legs together. Prick all over at 1 inch intervals and put, breast side down, in a roasting pan just large enough to hold it. Arrange the onion, celery, and bay leaf around. Roast the duck for 15 minutes. Turn breast side up; prick again. Roast, turning every 15 minutes, until browned and the juices run clear when the thigh is pricked with a fork, 45 to 55 minutes longer. Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pan. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring, until the liquid evaporates, about 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the cider. Bring to a boil. Cook until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 4 minutes. whisk in the flour. Remove from the heat and set aside. When the duck is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest in a warm spot for about 15 minutes. With poultry shears, cut the duck lengthwise in half. Discard the fat and vegetables from the roasting pan. Pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups cider into the pan. Bring to a boil over moderately high heat, scraping the bottom of the pan. Pour into the frying pan. Add the cognac, vinegar, and thyme. Bring to a boil over moderate heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the string from the duck. Serve the bird with the sauce. Serves 2. |