Seared Duck Breast With Cherry-Port Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted chicken stock (or canned broth)
1/2 cup pitted dried cherries
2 (6 ounce) boneless duck breast halves
salt, to taste
fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 shallot, minced
1/4 cup port wine (I used Ruby Port)
1 tablespoon chicken demi-glace
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into small pieces

Preparation

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the stock until steam begins to rise from the surface, about 3 minutes. Add the dried cherries and remove from the heat.
Season the duck breast halves with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, score the skin by making a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Heat a large saute pan over medium-low heat. Place the duck, skin side down, in the pan and cook until the skin is very crisp and golden, 12-15 minutes. Turn the duck over and cook until the meat is just springy when pressed, 3-5 minutes more for rare to medium-rare, or until done to your liking.
Transfer the duck to a warmed platter, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before carving.
Pour off all but 1 Tb fat from the pan. Set the pan over medium heat, add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add the port, bring to a boil and cook until it is almost evaporated, about 3 minutes.
Add the stock and cherries and the demi-glace, and cook until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the butter and whisk until completely incorporated.
Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Using a sharp carving knife, cut the duck across the grain into thin slices and arrange on a warmed platter. Pour the sauce over the meat and serve immediately.