Duck breast with Passion Fruit Sauce

Method

Start with the passion fruit sauce by cutting the fruit in half, remove the pulp and seeds and flesh from inside and place in a small saucepan.

Add the whisky and star anise and bring to the boil. The whisky may flambe, allow the alcohol to burn off and remove the pan from the heat until the flame burns out.

Add the maple syrup and black treacle and bring back to the boil. Remove from the heat to allow the ingredients to infuse. Reheat the sauce when ready to serve.

Wash the new potatoes into a suitable sized pan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until tender. Strain and leave to cool slightly.

While the potatoes are cooking, place the duck breast on a chopping board, skin side up and using a sharp knife, score the skin diagonally, then turn and score in the opposite direction (making diamonds).

Season the duck with salt and pepper. Heat an oven proof frying pan on a high heat. Once the pan is very hot, place the duck breast – skin side down – into the dry pan. Reduce the heat so that it gently fries – cook for 5 minutes until golden brown.

Pre-heat the oven to 190°C. Transfer the frying pan into the oven and cook the breast for 3 minutes on one side, then turn the breast over and cook for another 3 minutes.

Remove from the oven and transfer the breast onto a board or plate and allow to rest in a warm place for a good 5 minutes.

Heat a large frying pan on a medium heat and add a large knob of butter. As soon as it foams, add the potatoes, slightly crushing each one in your hand before adding.

Toss the potatoes in the warm butter and season with salt. Remove the pan from the heat and add in the chives just before serving alongside the carved duck breast and hot passion fruit sauce.