Duck Breast with Orange: Festive Menu

Ingredients:

2 duck breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 oranges
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Score the duck skin in a crosshatch pattern, taking care not to cut into the meat. Season the duck breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil and wait for it to get hot.
Add the duck breasts, skin-side down, to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the duck breasts and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Transfer the duck breasts to a baking dish, skin-side up. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
While the duck is roasting, prepare the orange sauce. Juice one of the oranges and zest the other. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and whisk until the sauce thickens. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Remove the duck breasts from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve the duck breasts with orange sauce and garnish with orange slices and fresh herbs, if desired. You can also serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Verdict:

This dish is perfect for special occasions and dinner parties. The duck breast is tender and juicy, while the orange sauce adds a tangy sweetness to each bite. The recipe is fairly simple to prepare, but it looks and tastes impressive. Your guests will surely be impressed by this festive menu item.