Duck a L'Orange

1 (5- to 6-pound) Peking duck
2 medium oranges , preferably organic
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 cup strong chicken stock
1/2 cup port or Madeira
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 bunch rosemary or thyme
Lemon juice , to taste (optional)
2 Tbsp. butter , cut into pieces
Homemade potato chips , for serving

Bring 2 1/2 to 4 quarts salted water to boil in a large (preferably narrow) stockpot. Remove fat from interior of duck, cut off wing tips, and prick skin all over with fork (taking care not to pierce the meat). Submerge duck and wing tips in water; simmer for 45 minutes. Drain.

Pare peel from oranges and julienne it: You will need 1/2 cup for the sauce and 1 tablespoon to stuff in duck. Remove pith from oranges; cut into 1/4-inch wedges.

Bring vinegar, sugar, and 1 tablespoon water to a boil in a pan over high heat, taking care not to burn mixture. Cook, stirring, until thickened into a syrup, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup chicken stock. Simmer 1 minute, stirring. Add remaining stock, port, and 1/2 cup orange peel. Simmer until reduced by a third, 8 to 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 500°. Season duck cavity with salt and pepper; add 1 tablespoon orange peel, several sprigs of rosemary (or thyme), and 2 orange wedges. Place in a pan with a roasting rack, and cook until skin is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Reheat sauce, and taste; if too sweet, add lemon juice. Remove from stove and swirl in butter to thicken.

Transfer duck to a platter; decorate with remaining orange wedges and herb sprigs. Serve with potato chips and sauce.

Serves 12.

Number of Servings: 12

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user AMBROSIAHINO.