Smoked Duck Toasts With Gingered Rhubarb Food

SEARED DUCK BREAST WITH GINGER RHUBARB SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine first 5 ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until reduced to 1 cup (about 18 minutes).
• Stir in preserves and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 1 minute. Strain wine mixture through a sieve over a bowl. Discard solids.
• Sprinkle duck with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Add duck; cook 5 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Cut duck diagonally across the grain into thin slices; serve with sauce.

SMOKED DUCK TOASTS WITH GINGERED RHUBARB

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Brush 1 side of each bread slice lightly with butter, then toast on a baking sheet in middle of oven until golden, about 6 minutes, and cool.
• Simmer rhubarb, ginger, water, and sugar in a small heavy saucepan, uncovered, stirring gently, until rhubarb is just tender, 2 to 3 minutes, then set pan in a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. Drain rhubarb in a sieve set over a bowl, reserving rhubarb, then whisk together 2 teaspoons rhubarb liquid and mayonnaise. Discard remaining cooking liquid.
• Remove skin and fat from duck breast. Carve 18 (1/8-inch-thick) slices from duck, cutting across the grain. Trim slices to fit toasts, reserving any remaining duck for another use.
• Spread about 1 teaspoon rhubarb mayonnaise on buttered side of each toast and top with 1 slice of duck, 1 teaspoon rhubarb, and a cilantro sprig.
• Available at D'Artagnan (800-327-8246).