Sugar and Chile Cured Duck

 

¼ C. granulated sugar

3 tablespoons ancho chile powder

1 tablespoon salt

4 boneless, skinless duck breasts (8 ounces each)

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 C. corn kernels

1 teaspoon chopped shallot

1 C. white wine

4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

3 tablespoons red bell pepper

ketchup

1 tablespoon snipped chives, for Garnish

 

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, chile powder, and salt. Evenly rub the mixture over the duck breasts; place on a plate and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the corn and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the shallot and white wine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and put in a blender; purée until smooth. Add the cold butter, one piece at a time, until incorporated. Strain the sauce back into the saucepan and keep warm. Just before serving, stir in the ketchup. Assembly: Prepare a barbecue grill. When hot, brush off the excess dry cure from the duck breasts and place the breasts on the grill. Cook until still pink inside, 5 to 7 minutes per side. Cut the duck breasts diagonally into thin slices and plate. Spoon the corn sauce over the open portion of the plate and top with chopped chives. Tips/Techniques: For best flavor, let the duck breasts sit in the chile cure overnight before cooking. Cracklings made with leftover duck skin are a real treat and a great garnish: Put the skin in a very hot oven to render all the fat and to get crispy. Then cut it up and sprinkle on the duck breasts just before serving.