Roasted Duck with Orange and Rosemary Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (about 5-6 pounds), giblets removed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 oranges, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Duck:

   • Pat the duck dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the duck in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This helps the fat to render during cooking.

3. Season the Duck:

   • Season the duck inside and out with salt and black pepper.

4. Make the Glaze:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the orange zest, orange juice, orange marmalade, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and the leaves from one sprig of rosemary. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the marmalade is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Roast the Duck:

   • Place the duck on a rack set inside a roasting pan, breast-side up. Tuck the remaining rosemary sprig inside the cavity of the duck. Brush the duck all over with olive oil.

6. Apply the Glaze:

   • Brush the duck generously with the prepared orange and rosemary glaze, reserving some for basting later.

7. Roast the Duck:

   • Roast the duck in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

8. Baste Occasionally:

   • Baste the duck with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes during roasting to keep it moist and flavorful.

9. Rest and Serve:

   • Once the duck is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

10. Carve and Enjoy:

    • Carve the roasted duck into serving pieces and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

11. Garnish:

    • Garnish the roasted duck with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices for a beautiful presentation.

12. Enjoy:

    • Enjoy this succulent and flavorful roasted duck with a delicious orange and rosemary glaze, perfect for any special occasion or holiday meal!