DUCK WITH HARVEST MEDLEY

Duck with Harvest Medley image

We created a balsamic vinegar reduction to enhance the fantastic flavors of duck and sweet potatoes in this elegant entree.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

4 cups water
2 cups pearl onions
2 cups balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup dried cherries
6 duck breasts with skin (5 ounces each)
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh sage leaves
2-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine or additional chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/3 cup chopped pecans, optional
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add pearl onions; boil for 3 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water; peel and set aside., In another large saucepan, bring the vinegar, syrup and brown sugar to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes or until liquid is nearly reduced by half. Add cherries; simmer 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside., Preheat oven to 375°. Cut a pocket in each duck breast. Stuff with sage; sprinkle with 1-1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Place skin side down in a large skillet. Cook over medium-low heat 10-12 minutes or until most of the duck fat has melted. Turn; cook 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Reserve drippings., Transfer duck to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, 15-22 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium, a thermometer should read 165°; well-done, 180°)., In duck drippings, saute sweet potatoes and pearl onions 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir in broth, wine, cumin, and remaining salt and pepper. Cook 3-5 minute or until potatoes are tender. Stir in pecans if desired. Serve with duck and cherry sauce. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 599 calories, Fat 26g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 74mg cholesterol, Sodium 1162mg sodium, Carbohydrate 71g carbohydrate (48g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 20g protein.