Duck Pastrami

Photo: flickr user snowpea&bokchoi

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Black peppercorns

3 teaspoons Dried thyme

3 Bay leaves, crushed

1 teaspoon Whole cloves

2 tablespoons Garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Whole juniper berries

cup Crushed juniper berries

4 cups Water

cup Light brown sugar, packed

cup Kosher salt

1 Duck breast, boneless, split 2.25 lbs

cup Coarsely ground pepper

Preparation

In a small mixing bowl, combine the peppercorns, thyme, bay leaves, cloves, garlic, and whole juniper berries. In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine the water, brown sugar and salt. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the sugar and salt. Remove from the heat and add dry spice mixture and steep for 1 hour. Place the duck breast in a glass or plastic container. Pour the seasoned brine to cover the breasts completely. Cover and refrig

Preheat the oven (smoker) to 250 degrees. Combine the crushed juniper berries and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Using the palm and heel of your hands, press 2/3 of the berry and pepper mixture into the underside of the breasts. Press the remaining mixture onto the skin side. Place the breasts, skin side down, on a rack in a roasting pan (in smoker) and roast for 1 hour. Remove and let cool for 30 minutes. Wrap the breasts tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container.

He serves this on french bread with provolone, mustard and onion marmalade.