Duck Confit On Country Toast With Fig Chutney Recipes

DUCK MOUSSE TOAST

Steps:

• For the charred broccoli puree: Coarsely chop the broccoli and toss in a bowl with the garlic, shallot, vinegar, 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, olive oil and salt.
• Transfer the broccoli to a skillet and broil on high for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.
• Add the broccoli to a food processor along with the milk, a few tablespoons lemon juice and salt and pepper. Process until smooth.
• For the toast points: Cut the bread into thin slices. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Halve the slices diagonally.
• For the duck mousse: Stir together the duck mousse, cream, pimientos and lemon juice with a fork until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• For the micro-parsley gremolata: Chop the micro-parsley very fine and add to a bowl with the garlic and lemon zest. Add lemon juice and salt to taste.
• To serve: Plate 2 to 3 tablespoons of broccoli puree. Top with a toast point. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mousse onto the toast. Finish with gremolata, salt and an olive oil drizzle.

FIG CHUTNEY

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, bring the red wine to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add the figs, orange juice, honey, cayenne, rosemary and star anise and bring back to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the figs soften and the mixture thickens, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom. Cool to room temperature before removing the anise and rosemary.

FIG TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees or its highest possible setting. Toast the bread: lay the bread slices directly on the oven rack and toast in the heated oven until golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Place the toast on 4 warmed plates.
• Meanwhile, trim stems off the figs. Slice the figs in half and dip them in sugar, turning so they are well coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter, add the almonds, and saute until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Set them aside. Heat the remaining butter in a skillet until foaming. Add the figs, cut side down, and saute until done, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Set the figs on the toast and spoon over the pan juices. Top each toast with yogurt and a sprinkling of toasted almonds. Serve at once so the toast stays crisp.