While entertaining guests, the Earl of Grantham might perhaps offer a bit of hunting—should the weather permit. Although fowl such as pheasants or wild game like hare might be preferred, should a guest kill a mallard or some other duck, it would not go to waste. Mrs. Patmore could certainly use the duck in a fine recipe such as this one to offer the guests a taste of their own hunting prowess.
It is out of respect for your guests that you serve them their duck already carved into breasts. When served a half duck or a half chicken, a guest is expected to seamlessly use his knife and fork to cut the wing and leg away from the breast before he begins to eat any of the meal.
Recipe information
Yield
Yields 2-3 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
1. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2
2. Slowly stir in sugar, stirring until sugar thoroughly dissolves and sauce turns a deep amber color, about 5-8 minutes. Pour in wine, orange juice, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Still stirring, bring entire mixture to boil.
Step 3
3. Add berries and chicken broth to sauce; continuing to boil until sauce thickens and is reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, stirring occasionally. This will take about 20-30 minutes.
Step 4
4. Add Cognac and maple syrup. Using the back of a spoon, mash the berries into the mixture. Set aside.
Step 5
5. Preheat oven to 400°F. After trimming any excess fat from the duck breasts, cut small slits in the skin (but not in the meat) of the duck. Thoroughly season breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 6
6. Heat a heavy ovenproof skillet over high heat. Add duck—skin-side down—and sear until lightly brown, about 5 minutes. Turn over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven and cook until duck reaches desired doneness (about 5 minutes for medium).
Step 7
7. As duck bakes, reheat blackberry sauce over low heat. Add last tablespoon of butter and whisk until just barely melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 8
8. Spoon sauce onto plates, then place duck atop sauce. Garnish with additional sauce and blackberries if so desired.
