Ingredients
1/2 c. dry white wine
1 tbsp. plus 1 teaspoon pure olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. Grainy mustard
1 tsp. chopped rosemary
4 1/2-pound duck breasts
6 oz. kumquats
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 medium shallots
1 jalapeño
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
Preparation
Step 1In a shallow dish, combine the wine with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon each of the grainy mustard and rosemary. Add the duck breasts and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.Step 2Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the kumquat slices and simmer over moderately high heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain the kumquat slices. In the same saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the kumquat slices and simmer over moderate heat for 8 minutes. Transfer the kumquats along with the sugar syrup to a heatproof bowl.Step 3In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the duck breasts from the marinade; reserve the marinade. Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn the duck breasts, reduce the heat to moderate and cook until browned on the bottom and medium rare, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Transfer the duck breasts to warmed plates.Step 4Add the shallots, jalapeño and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary to the skillet and cook over moderately low heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the reserved duck marinade and simmer over moderately high heat until syrupy, about 3 minutes. Add the kumquats and their syrup and bring to a simmer. Blend in the Dijon mustard and remaining 1 teaspoon of grainy mustard and remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the kumquat sauce over the duck breasts and serve.Step 5Make Ahead: The candied kumquat slices can be refrigerated for up to a week.
The blend of fiery mustard and jalapeño with sweet candied kumquats is what makes this sauce so sensational. The kumquats have a thin, edible rind loaded with powerful phytonutrients.
