Grilled Duck Delight with Calvados and Apples
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup Calvados or other apple brandy
- 1¾ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon currant jelly
- 1 teaspoon dried sage or 4 fresh sage leaves, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tart apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
For the Duck:
- 4 boneless skinless duck breasts (1/4 to 1/3 pound each)
- Salt pepper, and ground coriander to sprinkle over breasts
- ½ cup melted butter or oil for brushing
Instructions
- Place all sauce ingredients except duck, salt, pepper, coriander, cream, and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- When the apples are very soft, remove from heat and cool.
- Rinse the duck breasts in cool water and dry on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and ground coriander.
- Place the duck breasts in a glass or nonreactive pan, cover with half of the sauce (about 1 cup).
- Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 4–6 hours, turning once halfway through.
Grilling:
- Set the grill on high, about 475°F.
- While heating, bring the unused marinade to a boil.
- Add heavy cream and set aside.
- Brush the duck breasts with melted butter or oil and grill for about 3 minutes per side or until well browned.
- Place off direct heat to rest and then add the sauce.
- Garnish with sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped roasted chestnuts, or toasted walnuts.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Grilled Duck Delight with a side of wild rice and steamed green beans for an elegant and flavorful dinner. The rich sauce complements the tender duck perfectly.
Wine Advice:
Pair this dish with a medium to full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruity and robust characteristics of the wine will complement the richness of the duck and the flavorful sauce. Enjoy this delightful combination!
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 35 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 14 g
