Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner table with a recipe so divine, it comes straight from a family kitchen! Michael Gelman's Mom's Cherry Duck is not just a meal; it's a legendary dish that combines the rich, succulent flavors of perfectly roasted duck with a tantalizing cherry glaze that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just another recipe - it's a generations-old secret that promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food critics at your dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole duck
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the duck cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Rinse the whole duck under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, which is important for achieving crispy skin.
- Season the duck generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. This enhances the flavor of the meat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the fresh pitted cherries, cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Mix well to create a cherry sauce that will complement the duck.
- Stuff the cavity of the duck with half of the cherry mixture. This will infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks. Reserve the other half for later use.
- Place the duck breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. This allows the fat to drain away from the duck as it cooks, resulting in a crispier skin.
- Roast the duck in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the duck with its own juices every 30 minutes for added moisture and flavor.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, spoon the reserved cherry mixture over the duck to create a glaze. This will add a beautiful finish and enhance the flavor.
- Once the duck is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender duck.
- Carve the duck into serving pieces and serve with the cherry glaze drizzled on top. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality, fresh duck for the best results. Look for a duck with smooth, unblemished skin and a good layer of fat.
- Pat the duck extremely dry before seasoning - this is the key to achieving that crispy, golden-brown skin that everyone craves.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking. Duck is best served medium-rare to medium, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don't skip the resting period after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender duck.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider scoring the duck skin in a diamond pattern before roasting. This helps render the fat and creates an incredible crispy texture.
- If fresh cherries aren't in season, high-quality frozen cherries can be an excellent substitute.
- Pair this duck with sides that complement its rich flavor - think roasted root vegetables or a light, citrusy salad to balance the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 150mg
