Roasted Duck

🛒 Ingredients

For the Duck:

• 🦆 1 whole duck (4–5 lbs), giblets removed
• 🧂 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 🌶️ 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 🌿 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 🍋 1 small lemon, halved

For the Maple Glaze:

• 🍯 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 🍋 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 🥄 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 🌶️ 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 🧂 A pinch of salt

🍳 Instructions

Prepare the Duck

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a roasting pan with foil and place a rack inside.
2. Clean and Dry the Duck:
   • Pat the duck dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat from the neck and cavity area if needed.
3. Season the Duck:
   • Rub the inside and outside of the duck with salt, pepper, thyme, and minced garlic. Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves.

Roast the Duck

4. Score the Skin:
   • Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern over the duck’s breast and thighs. This helps render the fat and crisp the skin.
5. Roast:
   • Place the duck breast-side up on the roasting rack. Roast for 1 hour.
6. Baste the Duck:
   • Carefully drain off excess fat from the pan and baste the duck with its drippings every 20 minutes.

Prepare the Maple Glaze

7. Mix the Glaze:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, orange juice, soy sauce, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over low heat, stirring until well combined.
8. Apply the Glaze:
   • During the last 20 minutes of roasting, brush the glaze generously over the duck every 10 minutes.

Finish and Serve

9. Check for Doneness:
   • The duck is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
10. Rest the Duck:
    • Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
11. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and orange slices. Serve with roasted vegetables or wild rice.

💡 Tips and Variations

• 🧊 Make Ahead: Prepare the glaze a day in advance to save time.
• 🌶️ Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a hint of heat.
• 🍷 Wine Pairing: Serve with a Pinot Noir or Zinfandel for a rich flavor pairing.
• 🍏 Flavor Twist: Add a touch of apple cider vinegar to the glaze for a tangy finish.

🍹 Serving Suggestions

Maple-Glazed Roasted Duck pairs beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or a cranberry and orange salad. For dessert, follow with a festive gingerbread cake.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Maple-Glazed Roasted Duck features crispy skin, tender meat, and a sweet, citrusy glaze that elevates it into an elegant holiday centerpiece. The perfect blend of flavors makes it a luxurious dish that will impress your guests.