Journey into a festive favorite: Roast Duck with Cranberry Sauce

When it comes to comfort food with a touch of elegance, few dishes stand out like our chef's favorite — slow-cooked roast duck with sweet cranberry sauce. A harmonious blend of rich flavors, this meal combines tender duck, a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, figs poached in red wine, and a creamy cauliflower mousseline. Let’s take you behind the scenes of this culinary masterpiece and share some secrets to recreating it at home!

A Peek Into Our Chef's Culinary Journey

Our chef’s journey to creating this dish began with a deep love for slow cooking and a passion for balancing bold flavors. Inspired by traditional French cuisine and local Swiss ingredients, the roast duck with cranberry sauce reflects a blend of the chef’s heritage and a keen eye for innovation. Each element of the dish was chosen for its unique ability to complement the others — from the roasted duck’s crispy skin to the subtle sweetness of the cranberries and the smooth, creamy cauliflower mousseline.

“I wanted to create a dish that feels luxurious but still comforting,” says our chef. “Roast duck with cranberry sauce was a natural choice, but I wanted to add a twist with the figs poached in red wine and the cauliflower mousseline, which adds depth and texture. It’s all about balancing flavors and textures to create something truly special.” - Chef Emmanuel 

Ingredients for 4 Servings:

For the Roast Duck

• 1 whole duck (about 1.2 - 1.5 kg)
• Salt 
• Pepper
• Fresh thyme

For the Cranberry Sauce

• 80 g dried cranberries
• 20 g sugar
• 1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Poached Figs

• 1 cup red wine 
• 4-5 whole cloves

For the Cauliflower Mousseline

• 1 cauliflower 
• 1 medium celeriac
• 1 cup vegetable stock 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Our Chef's Roast Duck with Cranberry Sauce

To recreate this dish at home, follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Duck: Start by seasoning the duck with salt, pepper, and thyme. Slowly roast it in the oven, ensuring the skin becomes crispy and the meat stays tender.
2. Make the Cranberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine dried cranberries, sugar, raspberry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of cinnamon. Let it simmer until the cranberries soften and the sauce thickens.
3. Poach the Figs: Gently poach figs in red wine and a pinch of cloves to infuse them with a rich, fruity flavor.
4. Create the Cauliflower Mousseline: Steam cauliflower and celeriac, then blend them with vegetable stock and olive oil to create a smooth, creamy texture.
5. Assemble: Serve the crispy duck on a plate, drizzled with cranberry sauce, accompanied by the poached figs and a generous dollop of cauliflower mousseline.

Tips for Selecting the Best Ingredients

To achieve the perfect roast duck with cranberry sauce, sourcing the finest ingredients is key:

• Duck: Look for a high-quality, locally sourced duck that is fresh and plump. This will ensure the meat remains tender and flavorful after slow roasting.
• Cranberries: Use dried cranberries for their concentrated sweetness, which works perfectly with the rich duck.
• Figs: Choose ripe figs for poaching. They will absorb the flavors of the red wine and add a natural sweetness to the dish.
• Cauliflower and Celeriac: Opt for fresh, in-season cauliflower and celeriac to make a smooth and creamy mousseline.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the slow-cooked roast duck with cranberry sauce is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it:

• Add a Side Salad: A light arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the duck and add a refreshing contrast.
• Try Different Fruits: Experiment with different poached fruits like pears or apples for a new twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the duck with a roasted root vegetable medley for a hearty, vegetarian alternative.

Try Our Chef’s Roast Duck with Cranberry Sauce Today!

Ready to indulge in this mouth watering dish? Let our chef’s favorite meal bring a touch of gourmet to your dinner table. Order from our menu today and experience the rich flavors, expert preparation, and creative touch that makes this dish a true standout. Bon appétit!