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Mixed Greens with Almonds, Apple, Raisins, Celery and Parmesan Shavings
Crispy Whole Roast Duck
Raspberry Port Sauce
Spaetzle with Green Peas
Mushroom Ragout
Basque Cheesecake
About the Class
I love a good crispy duck and love to make it. This recipe is particularly easy and delicious. And the super flavorful Raspberry Port Sauce gilds the lily brilliantly. The duck is stand-out sauceless too--or with an orange sauce, a chutney, roast fruit, cranberry sauce (leftover from Thanksgiving?) or something else. A good recipe to know and an ideal main course for cold weather.
For those of you reluctant to leave the holidays behind, the menu is also a festive one. And for those of you who are thrilled the season is over, each recipe easily works in simpler menus. The divine spaetzle and the mushrooms are versatile sides that can be make-ahead, losing almost nothing with reheating. And the mushroom recipe includes a great trick. It always seems that a mushroom sauté requires way too much oil or butter. This recipe uses just a couple of tablespoons and (in my mind) tastes way better.
A note about the cheesecake. I'm a cheesecake fan, and this one -subtly scented with lemon and orange- is the best, super simple to make, freezes perfectly and keeps in the fridge for a week or so.