Delicious Duck

Featured in the April 2015 Issue of ‘In the Loop’

Ingredients:

1. 2-4 Ducks or Game Hens

2. 2 Celery stalks, cut into 1/4 inch slices

3. 1/2 cup Dried cranberries

4. 1/4 cup Raisins (optional)

5. 1 medium Granny Smith apple, cut and cored into 1/2 inch pieces (keep peel on)

6. 1 small Red onion, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

7. 1 cup Seasoned breadcrumbs (optional)

8. Salt and pepper

9. Apricot preserves (stir in a bowl and set aside)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Spray baking dish with nonstick spray.

3. Rinse then pat dry duck or game hens, placing each in baking dish.

4. Sprinkle each bird with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.

5. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, excluding apricot preserves.

6. Stuff birds with mixture, placing any extra mix around each bird inside the dish.

7. Bake for 45 minutes, then use pastry brush to generously cover birds with apricot preserves.

8. Continue to bake for 15 additional minutes to caramelize preserves.

9. Length of baking may vary depending on the size of birds, so be sure to check internal temperature with a baking thermometer to assure they are at 180°F.

Serves 2-4.

Wine pairing recommendation: Carmel Ridge Pinot Noir. Wine is available in the tasting room, located at 700 Cannery Row, Suite C, Monterey, CA.