Shanghai Duck

Photo: flickr user cogdogblog

Ingredients

1 Duck

1 bn scallions, cut in 2" lengths

2 slcs Ginger

3 whls star anise

cup Sugar

2 tablespoons Sherry

1 cup Soy sauce

cup Water

Preparation

The Chinese do not make a fetish of crispiness in their ducks, but of course the mass-produced Long Island ducks are fatter than anything that would be available in China or even Taiwan. What's more, the Chinese do not make a fetish of leanness, either. Here's a recipe that is neither crisp nor lean:The duck should be prepared as for roasting - feathers discarded, excess fat from the cavity removed (you may render this to make a fine, if unhealthy, cooking fat).

Arrange scallions, ginger slices, star anise, and the neck and giblets in the bottom of a heavy kettle. Put the duck in, breast down, and pour all the remaining ingredients over. Cover tightly

(using foil as a sealer if necessary) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 45 min. Uncover and invert duck. Re-cover and cook 30 min. At this point, uncover and skim off accumulated fat

(this also makes a fine, if unhealthy, cooking fat). Check duck for doneness - it should be just about tender now. Raise heat to medium and cook 15 to 30 min, basting constantly. The skin should become dark brown (although not crispy by any stretch of the imagination) and the sauce should be reduced to a syrup. Serve hot on a platter with the sauce strained over.