Dine in with duck this Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is approaching and dining in with a delicious roast duck is a great alternative to going out. So, we have prepared some handy hints and tips to make sure your favourite family tradition is cooked to perfection this Mother’s Day.
The main event
When choosing duck as the centrepiece of your roast dinner, follow our guides on how to roast and carve a whole duck. Find out more.
Hints and tips for the perfect duck
Having the perfect equipment will help you prepare a roast dinner to perfection, every week.
1. Firstly, you will need a wire roasting rack. This will lift the duck up from the base of the roasting dish and help to achieve perfect crispy skin. Alternatives such as rolling up tin foil and placing one under each end of the bird can also be used.
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2. Use a meat thermometer. You can buy these online and from most supermarkets. The thermometer will ensure that your duck is cooked to the right temperature (75°C). You will get the most accurate reading by sticking the thermometer into the thickest part of the duck.
3. Save the duck fat! If you have used a wire roasting rack this will be easy to save from the bottom of the roasting dish. Use it to make roast potatoes or save it for another time.
4. Rest! And finally allow the bird to rest covered by a towel or tin foil for 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the meat to relax, juices to develop and make your roast duck more tender.
The side dishes
Perfect Potatoes
Crispy delicious roast potatoes using the fat from your roast duck – what could be a better accompaniment to your Sunday lunch?
You could also add rosemary, garlic and a sprinkle of cumin seeds to make your dish extra special.
Crispy Carrots and Parsnips
Add a twist to your usual vegetable dish and follow our recipe for carrots and parsnips in white wine and thyme. This twist on a traditional side adds something extra special that the entire family can enjoy. This delicious side dish takes 35 minutes and can be finished off in the oven to get a crispier skin.
Red Wine Gravy
Make the perfect red wine gravy to accompany your roast duck. This recipe can be made ahead of time and uses flavoursome ingredients such as celery, bayleaf and peppercorns.
You could even add a generous tablespoon of redcurrant jelly to give it a sweeter taste.
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