Seared Duck Breast With Cherry-Port Sauce

Dr. Jenny's Note:

So far, this is my favorite duck recipe to date. DH and I made this easy, flavorful dish a couple of nights ago and loved it. It is from Williams-Sonoma Kitchen. I bought my demi-glace at the Williams-Sonoma store. Little did I realize it was $30 per jar! I havent looked yet, but maybe there is a recipe on Zaar for demi-glace? Anyway, I was glad I bought it and tried this dish because I will be enjoying it many more times to come. A couple of notes on this recipe: although the recipe lists this as 4 servings, I found it only served 2. Also, my stock and butter were not unsalted and the dish did not seem salty to me. Finally, Williams-Sonoma specifies that you use duck breast with skin because the fat flavors the meat when seared.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• ½ cup unsalted chicken stock (or canned broth)
• ½ cup pitted dried cherries
• 2 (6 ounce) boneless duck breast halves
• salt , to taste
• fresh ground pepper , to taste
• 1 shallot , minced
• ¼ cup port wine (I used Ruby Port)
• 1 tablespoon chicken demi-glace
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , at room temperature, cut into small pieces

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the stock until steam begins to rise from the surface, about 3 minutes. Add the dried cherries and remove from the heat.
2. Season the duck breast halves with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, score the skin by making a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
3. Heat a large saute pan over medium-low heat. Place the duck, skin side down, in the pan and cook until the skin is very crisp and golden, 12-15 minutes. Turn the duck over and cook until the meat is just springy when pressed, 3-5 minutes more for rare to medium-rare, or until done to your liking.
4. Transfer the duck to a warmed platter, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before carving.
5. Pour off all but 1 Tb fat from the pan. Set the pan over medium heat, add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and translucent, about 3 minutes.
6. Add the port, bring to a boil and cook until it is almost evaporated, about 3 minutes.
7. Add the stock and cherries and the demi-glace, and cook until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Add the butter and whisk until completely incorporated.
9. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
10. Using a sharp carving knife, cut the duck across the grain into thin slices and arrange on a warmed platter. Pour the sauce over the meat and serve immediately.