Birthday Surprise Dinner Course #2

Duck is another one of Fred's favorite foods. This one was definitely an experiment and one I was sure would be a disaster. Happily, I was wrong. It was so tender and juicy that I forgot about how cute ducks are. Best of all, it was incredibly easy.

Ingredients

2 duck breasts
2 oranges
1 shallot
1 tbsp grated ginger
Splash soy sauce
Red pepper flakes
Handful small potatoes
Dried rosemary
Garlic
Green beans
Squeeze of lemon

Early in the day, start marinating the duck breast. Mix together the juice of 2 oranges, 1 minced shallot, the grated ginger, soy sauce, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Trim the excess fat from the duck. A layer of fat is fine on one side of the breast, but trim any that's hanging over the sides. Pour the breasts into a large ziplock bag with the marinade and place in a bowl in the fridge. Should marinate for 3-4 hours.

Slice the potatoes into rounds and place in a baking dish. Drizzle with some olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper and chopped garlic.

Take the duck out of the marinade and place skin side up in a baking dish. Pop in a 325 degree oven, uncovered. This should take about 40 minutes total, and don't worry if it sizzles and pops while cooking. After about 15 minutes put your potatoes in as well so that they are both done at the same time. The duck is done when it's nicely golden brown on the top and firm when you poke it, and the potatoes should be fork tender.

While they are in the oven, steam your green beans. When done to your liking squirt some lemon juice over and season with lots of salt and pepper. To serve, slice the duck breasts and fan on the plate. Note that some people like it a little pink, in which case check around the half hour mark.