They need a seedless variety. Having the pits stew in my trashcan under the desk, along with my apple cores and banana peels, gets a bit 'tangy' at the end of the day.
MMMM cherries. Reminds me of a fave: Duck with cherry-red wine sauce.
Pit some super ripe cherries and stick 'em in a pot with about 3/4 bottle of decent, fuity zinfandel. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and reduce by half or more.
Meanwhile, add seasoned duck breasts with scored skin to a hot pan (skin-side down) then immediately reduce the heat to medium. You want a good sear but also enough time in the pan to render a lot of the fat. Keep on eye on things, being careful to adjust the heat to avoid burning, and spoon out some of the fat as it renders. After 12-14 minutes, you should have deep brown, crispy skin. Flip the breasts over and cook for just a few minutes more on the other side for rare/medium rare. Remove to a plate, cover loosely, and let rest.
Taste/adjust the sauce for seasoning and balance. The flavor should be bright and slightly acidic, not too sweet, but you definitely want the sweetness from the cherries. If it's too acidic, add a pat of butter. Too rich? Add a little orange juice or vinegar. Taste, taste, taste.
Slice the breasts and serve with the sauce over a little polenta and perhaps sauteed greens on the side, if you like, and more of that zinfandel. Marvel at how good life is.
I am eating a big bowl of cherries right now, straight from the farmer's market. So sweet, so good. I've also got a bowl of blueberries. Man I love it when the good summer fruit starts hitting.
A friend and I both picked 7-8 cups each off my cherry trees last night. Got them all pitted (PITA and took an hour) and will be making a cherry pie tomorrow.
After you've picked and pitted them you appreciate how much they cost in the store.
MMMM cherries. Reminds me of a fave: Duck with cherry-red wine sauce.
Pit some super ripe cherries and stick 'em in a pot with about 3/4 bottle of decent, fuity zinfandel. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and reduce by half or more.
Meanwhile, add seasoned duck breasts with scored skin to a hot pan (skin-side down) then immediately reduce the heat to medium. You want a good sear but also enough time in the pan to render a lot of the fat. Keep on eye on things, being careful to adjust the heat to avoid burning, and spoon out some of the fat as it renders. After 12-14 minutes, you should have deep brown, crispy skin. Flip the breasts over and cook for just a few minutes more on the other side for rare/medium rare. Remove to a plate, cover loosely, and let rest.
Taste/adjust the sauce for seasoning and balance. The flavor should be bright and slightly acidic, not too sweet, but you definitely want the sweetness from the cherries. If it's too acidic, add a pat of butter. Too rich? Add a little orange juice or vinegar. Taste, taste, taste.
Slice the breasts and serve with the sauce over a little polenta and perhaps sauteed greens on the side, if you like, and more of that zinfandel. Marvel at how good life is.
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