DIPPING SAUCE FOR PEKING DUCK RECIPES

Steps:

• We began with the ingredient that will give this simple hoisin sauce its consistency, cornstarch. This cornmeal will be in charge of giving any sauce a unique texture. We put it on the fire with a little water to thicken as it heats up.
• We'll add the honey and wait for it to take shape; it'll become more consistent as it goes. To achieve that bright color and slightly sweet flavor, the honey should dissolve perfectly.
• We continue with the remaining ingredients, adding the soy sauce last. It will give the recipe its distinctive dark color. We'll mix it thoroughly so that it's well diluted with the cornstarch and honey.
• The white rice vinegar is then added. Sake is used as a substitute in some recipes; if you want to try a slightly more intense sauce or have sake on hand, it is an acceptable option.
• The next ingredient we'll add to our hoisin sauce is sesame oil. In addition to delicious sauces, we can make the famous Teriyaki sauce with this oil, which has an oriental flavor and is highly recommended for all types of meats.
• Finally, we'll add a spicy touch with hot sauce and pepper; this flavor is optional; it's up to the consumer's preference. The quantities are illustrative; you can adjust them to your level of spicy tolerance.
• When everything is well combined, we'll leave it for a few minutes for the flavors to bind before removing from the heat. The hoisin sauce tastes best after it has rested for a few hours; ideally, it should be ready from one day to the next.

Steps:

• Rinse the duck inside and out, and pat dry. Cut off tail and discard. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, white pepper and cloves. Sprinkle one teaspoon of the mixture into the cavity of the duck. Stir one tablespoon of the soy sauce into the remaining spice mixture and rub evenly over the entire outside of the bird. Cut one of the green onions in half and tuck inside the cavity. Cover and refrigerate the bird for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
• Place duck breast side up on a rack in a big enough wok or pot and steam for an hour adding a little more water, if necessary, as it evaporates. Lift duck with two large spoons, and drain juices and green onion.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place duck breast side up in a roasting pan and prick skin all over using a fork.
• Roast for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. While the duck is roasting, mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and honey. After 30 minutes, brush the honey mixture onto the duck and return it to the oven. Turn the heat up to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Roast for 5 minutes, or until the skin is richly browned. Do not allow the skin to char.
• Prepare the duck sauce by mixing the plum jam with the sugar, vinegar and chutney in a small serving bowl. Chop remaining green onions and place them into a separate bowl. Place whole duck onto a serving platter and garnish with orange slices and fresh parsley. Use plum sauce and onions for dipping.