DUCK BREAST RECIPE EPICURIOUS RECIPES

Steps:

• Place duck breast halves between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Pound lightly to even thickness (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch). Discard plastic wrap. Using sharp knife, score skin in 3/4-inch diamond pattern (do not cut into flesh). DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle duck with salt and pepper. Add duck, skin side down, to skillet and cook until skin is browned and crisp, about 5 minutes. Turn duck breasts over, reduce heat to medium, and cook until browned and cooked to desired doneness, about 4 minutes longer for small breasts and 8 minutes longer for large breast for medium-rare. Transfer to work surface, tent with foil to keep warm, and let rest 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pour off all but 2 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add shallot to skillet and stir over medium heat 30 seconds. Add broth, cherries, Port, and honey. Increase heat to high and boil until sauce is reduced to glaze, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Whisk in 1 tablespoon cold butter. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
• Thinly slice duck. Fan slices out on plates. Spoon sauce over and serve.
• With the duck, pour a medium-bodied red from Spain's Rioja region. We like the Viña Santurnia 2005 Crianza Rioja ($13), which has black cherry flavors and smoky notes.

Steps:

• Score skin of duck breasts; season with salt and pepper. Place skin side down in a cold medium skillet; cook over low heat until fat is rendered and skin is dark golden, 12–15 minutes. Turn duck, increase heat to medium, and cook 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
• Meanwhile, cut peel and white pith from oranges. Cut along sides of membranes to release segments into a medium bowl.
• Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. fat from skillet. Add shallot, vinegar, and half of orange segments. Season with salt and simmer until thick, about 4 minutes. Thinly slice duck and serve over frisée with pan sauce and remaining segments.