compote for duck

[bubbles4920]

planning on cooking simple duck breasts for easter lunch with all the trimmings but want to serve with gravy, not a fruity sauce to pour over. so im wanting something like a fruity compote instead to accompany the meal. firstly do you think this will work and secondly if so, what fruity compote would be good? found a pear and saffron one but not sure. didnt want to serve a red one as will be serving braised red cabbage, dont want too many red things if you know what i mean.

[tel b]

I don't think pear and saffron would work. You need a bit of acid to cut the greasiness of the duck. Traditionally of course you could serve an Apple compote. If you wanted to give it some extra zing, how about apple and gooseberry or apple and rhubarb?

A good cheat for an orange sauce is to use a packet gravy mix for chicken or turkey (I like the Oxo ones that make 15 fl oz) and make it with half water and half orange juice.

Bon appetit!

[jack daniels]

I actually like making a gravy and then stirring in either orange juice, cranberry sauce/jam or cherries would go well because of the duck.
tastes really nice

[vivandorron]

You say you want a gravy and then propose a compote.

Take the advice of tel b and jack daniels.

I have often made a good orange sauce with a standard gravy mix and orange juice to which I add a good spoonful of marmalade and,if it tastes a little too sweet with the addition of the mamalade, just add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice........Ron

[bubbles4920]

thanx 4 your replies. yes i do want 2 serve gravy and a compote/fruity accompaniment too.dont like orange things and cherry is out. you can after all serve turkey with gravy and have cranberry sauce too so was just trying to find something similar really.any more ideas most welcome.

[jack daniels]

bubbles - forgot to mention brandy, port or sherry in the gravy will go nice too

[gastwo]

How about a red onion and apple chutney?

[mikey4444]

I'm a bit confused here ? You say you don't want a fruit sauce but gravy instead. Is it possible to make gravy with pears ?

I once saw a man in a works canteen pour gravy all over his fried eggs and chips !