French Roasted Duck with Orange Glaze

Ingredients

• 1 whole duck, cleaned
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons thyme, fresh
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon orange zest, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Method

1. 01
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 02
   Pat the duck dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and pepper, and stuff it with minced garlic and fresh thyme.
3. 03
   Rub the outside of the duck with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. 04
   Place the duck on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 90 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
5. 05
   While the duck is roasting, prepare the orange glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and orange zest.
6. 06
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat.
7. 07
   After 90 minutes, brush the duck with the orange glaze and return it to the oven for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
8. 08
   Remove the duck from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
9. 09
   Serve the duck with additional orange glaze on the side.