Julia Child's Duck Roasted in a Casserole With Turnips

From Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1. "in casserole roasting, the duck is browned on all sides, then set to roast in a covered casserole. Cooking in its own steam, the duck's flesh becomes wonderfully tender, and the layer of subcutaneous fat is even more effectively dissolved than by roasting. The turnips finish their cooking with the duc absorbing the cooking juices, are particularly succulent." I have made this duck many times and it is my favorite method. I serve it with this: http://www.recipezaar.com/243203 Note: A bouquet garni consists of 4 sprigs of parsley, 1/2 a bay leaf and 1/4 tsp dried thyme tied in washed cheese cloth.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 5-6

Ingredients

• 5 1⁄2 lbs duck
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
• 3  tablespoons  cooking oil or 3  tablespoons  lard
• 1  bouquet garni
• 2  lbs turnips
• 3  tablespoons  minced parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325.
2. Season the duck inside and out with 1/2 tsp salt and pepper.
3. Truss and prick the skin of the lower breast, thigh, and back.
4. Brown slowly on all sides in the hot oil in a stove top safe casserole.
5. Pour out the fat and salt the duck and place it breast up in the casserole.
6. Add the bouquet garni and cover the casserole.
7. Roast for 60 minutes.
8. Peel and chop the turnips into 3/4 inch dice.
9. Drop into boiling salted water for 5 minutes and drain.
10. Remove the duck from the oven. Degrease using a bulb baster.
11. Arrange the turnips around the duck, cover and return to the oven and cook an additional 30 to 40 minutes.
12. Baste the turnips on occasion.
13. Remove from the oven, drain the duck and after untrussing place on a platter.
14. Remove the turnips with a slotted spoon and arrange around the duck.
15. Sprinkle with minced parsley.
16. Degrease the cooking juices and serve with the duck.