ROAST LONG ISLAND DUCK WITH CABERNET-CHERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Wash the duck in cold water and discard any loose fat or skin. (Save the fat for another use).
• Place the duck in a roasting pan.
• Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil and pour the water over the duck, making sure entire bird is covered.
• Drain completely.
• Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan.
• Generously sprinkle all sides of the duck with salt.
• Refrigerate, uncovered, for 24 hours.
• Move oven rack to lower third of the oven and preheat to 450°F.
• Rinse the duck well with cold water to remove the salt.
• With a small, sharp implement, carefully prick the fatty sections of the duck's skin (take care to pierce only the fatty layer, not the flesh underneath).
• Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil and pour over the duck, covering completely.
• Drain completely.
• Wipe out your roasting pan and spray with cooking spray.
• Set the duck on a rack in prepared roasting pan, breast side up, and cook 30 minutes.
• Reduce the temperature to 375F and roast until a leg moves easily in its socket and the juices from the cavity run almost clear, about an hour or until an instant-read thermometer registers 180F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
• Let the duck rest, loosely covered with foil, at least 15 minutes before carving.
• While the duck is resting, make the sauce: combine the first three ingredients in a small pan and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, about 10 minutes; set to the side.
• Combine the next six ingredients together in another small pan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
• Cook until the mixture turns syrupy and begins to caramelize, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
• Add the orange juice and jam or jelly, and cook until the mixture bubbles.
• Strain the contents of the small pan into the wine and cherry mixture, discarding any solids.
• Add the orange zest and return sauce to a simmer over low heat.
• Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small jar and shake until smooth.
• Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and cook, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Slice duck and serve with sauce.