Duckbreaststuffedwithhamandsundriedtomatoes Recipes

STUFFED AND SEARED DUCK BREASTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Use a sharp knife to slice into each duck breast half at thickest part to create a pocket the entire length of breast, being sure not to poke through the other end (If you'd like, score the skin as shown in the photo. Scoring renders the fat more thoroughly and keeps the skin from warping and sticking in the pan). In a bowl, mix together the garlic, fennel seeds, rosemary, Parmesan and olive oil until paste-like. Use your fingers to push herb mixture into each duck breast, filling pocket as much as possible. Sprinkle breasts with salt and pepper.
• Heat heavy, large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add duck breasts skin side down and cook until nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Turn meat and transfer skillet to oven; roast 10 to 15 minutes for medium-rare. (An instant-read thermometer inserted into meat should read about 125 degrees.)
• Remove duck to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Carve on the bias into 1/2-inch pieces; serve with pan juices.

DUCK BREAST STUFFED WITH HAM AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Heat a small amount ot the olive oil in a pan and fry the spinach leaves. Season with salt and pepper and drain on kitchen paper.
• Finely chop one slice of prosciutto and trim the rest.
• In a bowl, combine the diced ham (and any trimmings), chicken mince, tomatoes, garlic, tarragon and season with salt and pepper.
• Shape the mixture into 4 patties the length of the duck breasts and pan fry in this shape.
• When cooked 3-4 minutes, wrap each patty first in 2 spinach leaves, then a slice of prosciutto.
• Stuff these patties under the skin of the duck breast and re-form the skin over the breast.If there is not enough skin, secure with 2 cocktail sticks.
• Fry the breasts skin side down in a little olive oil for about 10 minutes (this will crisp the skin and render its fat) then a further 3 minutes on the underside.