Duck with root vegetables

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1Domestic duck, about 4
Pounds
Essence
2tablespoonsSteen's 100 percent Pure
Cane Syrup
4tablespoonsOlive oil, in all
4Ribs of celery, sliced
Lengthwise in half
1largeHead of garlic, cut in half
Crosswise
¼poundsBaby carrots, peeled
¼poundsBaby parsnips, peeled
1largeOnion, halved, and cut into
Wedges
¼poundsBaby turnips, peeled
¼poundsBaby red beets, peeled
4smallsRed potatoes, quartered
Salt and fresh ground black
Pepper
Cayenne pepper
2teaspoonsDried rosemary
1teaspoonDried basil
1teaspoonDried oregano
cupWater
½cupDry sherry
2tablespoonsChopped chives

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Quarter the duck. Season the duck with Essence. Rub the duck with the cane syrup. In a sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is hot, sear the duck, skin side down, for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. Place the celery and garlic on a wire rack fitted over a roasting pan.

Season with Essence. In a mixing bowl, toss the baby root vegetables, onions, remaining olive oil, salt, pepper, cayenne, and dried herbs together. Spread the vegetables evenly over the celery and garlic.

Place the seared duck pieces on top of the vegetables. Season the duck with Essence. Pour the water and sherry to the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast for 45 minutes, or until the duck is tender.

Remove the duck from the oven. Mound the vegetables in the center of the platter. Lay the duck over the vegetables. Spoon any remaining sauce over the duck. Garnish with chives.

Yield: 4 servings

ESSENCE OF EMERIL SHOW #EE2429