Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 3 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 3 bay leaves, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon whole juniper berries, plus 1/3 cup crushed juniper berries
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 1 whole boneless duck breast, split in half (2 1/4 to 2 1/2 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 loaf of crusty French bread
  • 1/4 cup Creole mustard
  • 6 slices of Provolone cheese
  • 1 cup of Onion Marmalade, recipe follows
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cup julienned yellow onions
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the peppercorns, thyme, bay leaves, cloves, garlic, and whole juniper berries.
  • In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine the water, brown sugar and salt.
  • Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
  • Remove from the heat and add dry spice mixture and steep for 1 hour.
  • Place the duck breast in a glass or plastic container.
  • Pour the seasoned brine to cover the breasts completely.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 48 hours, turning the breasts a couple of times.
  • Remove the duck breasts from the brine and rinse thoroughly with cool water.
  • Pat dry with a towel.
  • Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
  • Combine the crushed juniper berries and ground black pepper in a small bowl.
  • Using the palm and heel of your hands, press 2/3 of the berry and pepper mixture into the underside of the breasts.
  • Press the remaining mixture onto the skin side.
  • Place the breasts, skin side down, on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour.
  • Remove and let cool for 30 minutes.
  • Wrap the breasts tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 week before using.
  • To serve, remove the meat and slice thin.
  • Slice the french bread in 1/2 horizontally.
  • Smear the Creole mustard on cut sides of the bread.
  • Lay the slices of the duck on one side of the bread.
  • Lay the slices of cheese over the duck.
  • Top the cheese with the onion marmalade.
  • Slice the sandwich and serve.
  • In a saute pan, over high heat, heat the olive oil.
  • Add the onions and saute until caramelized, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, parsley, and rice wine vinegar.
  • Saute for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper.