Duck with Cherry Rice Stuffing

Duck with Cherry Rice Stuffing Recipe - American Cuisine

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Duck with Cherry Rice Stuffing is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the rich flavors of duck with the sweetness of cherries and the nuttiness of pecans. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal.

History

This recipe is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of duck, cherries, and rice stuffing is a popular choice for festive meals, especially during the holiday season. The sweet and savory flavors of this dish make it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

1 cup spaghetti or pizza sauce
1 ready-to-cook duckling (4 to 4.5 lb or 2.04 kg)
salt and ground black pepper
0.25 cup butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
6 cups cooked rice
2 tbsp grated lemon peel
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
2 cups chopped pecans
1 x 20 oz or 567 g can pitted bing cherries
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp currant jelly

How to prepare

Season the cavity of the duckling lightly with salt and pepper.

Stuffing

Melt butter in a skillet; add onion and celery and cook until tender but not browned.
Add rice, peel, thyme, salt, and pecans.
Drain cherries, reserving the juice; measure 1 cup of cherries and cut them into quarters.
Add the cherries to the rice mixture and toss lightly to mix well. Stuff the duckling.
Truss the duckling and place it breast side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 3 hours, or until done.
Spoon the remainder of the dressing into a buttered casserole to cook along with the duckling during the last hour of cooking, or freeze the casserole for future use.

Sauce

Measure 3 tbsp of fat and drippings from the duckling.
Heat the fat in a skillet; add flour and cook over medium heat until the flour is browned.
Measure the reserved cherry juice; add water to make 2 cups.
Stir the cherry juice mixture into the skillet; add the remaining cherries and currant jelly and simmer until the jelly is melted.
Serve the duckling accompanied by the sauce.

Variations

Substitute the duck with chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Use dried cherries instead of canned cherries for a different flavor profile.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the rice stuffing for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the duck cavity well with salt and pepper before stuffing.

- Trussing the duckling will help it cook evenly and retain its shape.

- Basting the duckling with its own juices during cooking will help keep it moist and flavorful.

- Be careful not to overcook the duckling, as it can become tough and dry.

- Let the duckling rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Duck with Cherry Rice Stuffing with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a complete and elegant meal.

Cooking Techniques

Trussing the duckling

- Basting the duckling

- Making a roux for the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.

- Use orange zest instead of lemon zest.

- Use cranberry sauce instead of currant jelly.

Make Ahead Tips

The rice stuffing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. The duckling can also be stuffed ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Duck with Cherry Rice Stuffing on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and cherries. Slice the duckling and arrange it neatly on the platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Duck with Cherry Rice Stuffing with a full-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot. The fruity notes of the wine will complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the duckling and rice stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F (177°C) oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Duck with Cherry Rice Stuffing contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish come primarily from the rice stuffing and cherries. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the duck, margarine, pecans, and flour used in the sauce. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the duck and pecans. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. The cherries provide a boost of antioxidants and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and gluten (flour). It may not be suitable for those with nut allergies or gluten sensitivities.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying option for a special occasion meal.

Summary

Duck with Cherry Rice Stuffing is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old dusty box of recipe cards in my attic. As I sifted through the yellowed papers, a faded photograph caught my eye. It was a picture of my great-grandmother, standing proudly in front of a large oven, holding a platter of succulent duck with cherry rice stuffing.

I had heard stories of my great-grandmother's legendary cooking skills, but I had never seen any of her recipes before. Excitement coursed through me as I carefully examined the card, handwritten in beautiful cursive script. The ingredients listed were simple yet intriguing - duck, cherries, rice, and a medley of herbs and spices.

As I read through the instructions, I could almost smell the tantalizing aroma of the dish wafting through the kitchen. I knew I had to recreate this recipe and taste the flavors of my family's culinary history.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients, channeling my great-grandmother's spirit as I carefully measured and mixed each component. The duck was seasoned with a blend of fragrant herbs and spices, then roasted to perfection in the oven. Meanwhile, I prepared the cherry rice stuffing, infusing it with the sweetness of ripe cherries and the earthy richness of wild rice.

As the dish cooked, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing scent of roasting duck and cherry rice. I couldn't help but smile as memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts flooded back to me. The anticipation of tasting this long-lost recipe fueled my excitement even more.

Finally, the timer chimed, signaling that the duck with cherry rice stuffing was ready. I carefully plated the dish, garnishing it with fresh herbs and a sprinkling of toasted almonds. As I took my first bite, I was transported back in time to my great-grandmother's kitchen, where love and tradition were the secret ingredients in every dish.

The duck was tender and juicy, infused with the sweetness of the cherries and the nuttiness of the rice stuffing. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a perfect balance of savory and sweet that danced on my taste buds. I closed my eyes and savored every mouthful, feeling connected to my family's culinary heritage in a way I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, duck with cherry rice stuffing became a staple in my own recipe collection. I shared the dish with friends and family, passing down the recipe and the stories behind it to future generations. It was a way to honor my great-grandmother's memory and keep her legacy alive through the art of cooking.

As I sit here now, writing this story and reminiscing about that fateful day in my attic, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It is not just a dish, but a piece of my family history, a connection to my roots and the generations of strong, talented women who came before me.

And so, I will continue to cook duck with cherry rice stuffing with love and pride, knowing that each bite brings me closer to my past and the cherished memories that live on through the flavors of this timeless recipe.