SMOKED DUCK AND SCALLOP SALAD WITH SHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Smoked Duck and Scallop Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette image

Provided by Food Network

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 -ounce white wine
3 ounces sherry vinegar
2 ounces olive oil
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
Vegetable oil, as needed
2 ounces leeks, cleaned and cut into strips
Flour, as needed
2 cloves garlic, roasted and minced
1 teaspoon minced shallots
1 pinch cracked black pepper
1/2 cup sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 bunches watercress, stemmed
2 skinless and boneless duck breasts
3 ounces fresh scallops
1 ounce pecans, roasted and roughly chopped
2 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into wedges

Steps:

Prepare the vinaigrette dressing by whisking all of the ingredients together and reserve under refrigeration until needed.
Prepare the fried leeks by mixing the buttermilk and egg in a small bowl. Fill a large pot 1/2 full with vegetable oil and heat to 375 degrees F. Dip leeks in mixture and then dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Deep-fry the leeks until they are crisp and golden brown. Degrease the fried leeks on absorbent paper towels and reserve in a warm place until needed.
Prepare a stovetop smoker.
Prepare the marinade by combining ingredients in a large bowl. Separate into 2 small bowls. Add duck breast to 1 bowl, turning to coat evenly. Marinate for 5 minutes.
Place the duck in a smoker for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Rub scallops with marinade from second bowl. Preheat grill. Grill the duck breast for 10 minutes, turning to cook evenly. Add scallops during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Place the cleaned, stemmed watercress in a bowl and toss it with 3/4 of the dressing. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Mound the watercress in the center of a chilled salad plate. Slice the duck breast and lay it on top of the mound. At the base of the mound, place 3 grilled scallops in a triangular formation. Garnish the salad by sprinkling it with roasted pecans and arranging cheese wedges. Top with fried leeks.