Saveur

SERVES 4

Chef Robert Lalleman at the Auberge de Noves made us this dish with the famous ducks of Challans, in the Vendée region of western France; muscovy ducks are a more than adequate American substitute.

3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
10 egg whites
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 5-lb. muscovy duck
Salt
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. white-wine vinegar
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 shallot, peeled and minced
1 bouquet garni (1/2 tsp. coriander seeds,
   2 parsley sprigs, 1 bay leaf, 2 thyme sprigs,
   and 5 black peppercorns, tied in cheesecloth)
1 tbsp. acacia honey
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
1/2 cup Veal Stock

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, egg whites, 2 tbsp. pepper, rosemary, thyme, and cilantro and mix until dough holds together. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 2 minutes. Form dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 450°. Rinse duck, pat dry, then prick skin with a fork. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear duck, turning to brown on all sides, 10–15 minutes. Transfer duck to a plate and set aside to cool.

3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a 10'' x 14'' rectangle. Place duck in center of dough, breast side down, then wrap dough around duck, pinching to seal. Place duck, seam side down, on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven.

4. Meanwhile, place vinegar, wine, shallots, and bouquet garni in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-high heat until reduced by three-quarters, about 7 minutes. Add honey, chicken stock, and veal stock. Cook until sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes more, then strain, season with salt and pepper, and keep warm.

5. To serve, use a sharp knife to cut through crust, then peel away and discard. Thinly slice breast meat and arrange on 4 plates. Spoon sauce over meat. Cut legs (with thighs) from duck and return them to oven, cooking until skin is crisp, 15–30 minutes. Serve legs as a second course.

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #20