Duck Breast Salad with Oranges

BY CHEF JOHN ASH 

Duck breast is a delicacy, and one breast can easily serve two people separated into supremes. An elegant portion is a perfect complement to this rich, delicious salad served with a glass of Founders Reserve Pinot Noir.

INGREDIENTS

3 large navel oranges

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1/4 c apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

1 tbsp minced shallot

5 tbsp olive oil, divided

Salt

Freshly grounded black pepper

2 boneless, Pekin duck breasts halves

1 medium head frisée (washed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces)

1 medium head Bibb lettuce (washed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces)

2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Finely grate one of the oranges to get 2 teaspoons zest; set aside. Working over a medium bowl, segment 2 of the oranges and set aside. Squeeze the remaining orange for its juice. You should have at least 1/3 cup.

2. Put the sugar and vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and boil until the sugar is melted, the bubbles become large and thick, and the mixture turns golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the orange zest, lemon juice, reserved orange juice and lemon zest. Add the shallot and gradually whisk in 4 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Rinse the duck and pat dry. With a sharp knife, score the skin (not the meat) in a crosshatch pattern. Trim any excess skin. Season well with salt and pepper on the flesh side and very lightly on the skin side.

4. Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Put the duck in the pan, skin-side down, and cook it until skin is nicely browned and fat has rendered, 6 minutes or so. Turn the breasts and cook on the flesh side for 3 minutes for medium-rare (or 3 to 4 minutes for medium).

5. Transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes for juices in the meat to redistribute before slicing.

6. Toss the frisée and lettuce with enough of the vinaigrette to lightly coat. Slice the duck breasts crosswise on a slight diagonal into 1/4-inch slices. Mound the greens on each plate and arrange the duck slices and orange segments all around. Drizzle each salad with a little more of the vinaigrette and garnish with chives.