Whole Roast Duck with Apples and Cider

Cook Time 2 hours

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 whole duck, free range preferably
500g duck bones or chicken bones, cut into small pieces
2 tsp. Chinese 5 spice
3 granny smith apples, peeled and quartered
¾ cup good quality cider
1 tbs. flour
Salt and pepper
1 onion
3 clove garlic
1 carrot
1 stalk of celery
1 bouquet garni (bay leaf, thyme, parsley)

Method

Pre heat the oven to 210?C.

Cut off the excess fat and wing tips. Prick all over with a fork. Rub the duck with the Chinese 5 spice. Season and put duck in a large roasting tray.  Place one of the quartered apples into the cavity of the duck.

Cook on high for 20 minutes. Now turn the oven to 180?C and baste the duck with its juices. Cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes basting 2 or 3 times during this cooking time. 20 minutes before its ready, add the remaining apples to the tray.

While the duck is cooking make the cider gravy by placing bones, onions, garlic, carrot, celery, bouquet garni and a drizzle of olive oil in another baking dish. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and place tray on medium heat on the stove. Add the flour and cook off for 2 minutes. Now add the cider and scrape the bottom of the tray to release any caramelised parts. Cook for 5 minutes. Now add water to cover the bones and cook for 1 hour on a gentle simmer. Strain through a fine sieve reserve.

Once the duck is cook remove from the oven and carefully remove all the apples.

Allow the duck to rest in a warm area for 30 minutes. Now carve the duck and place on a large platter with the soft apples and gravy.