For the record... duck work
In answer to the most asked question - yes, we did eat some of the duck. I didn't expect the kids to even try it so I froze all but two small breast halves. Per the donor's instructions, I soaked it in milk for 24 hours to help remove the wild taste. Then I wrapped it bacon and ended up baking it (although he recommended grilling it) because it happened to be a particularly chilly evening and I didn't feel like standing in the cold to grill :-) I think I overcooked it just a tad. John and I both agreed we wouldn't mind eating it again at all. We also agreed there are probably better ways of preparing it. I took the easy route because when it was given to me I fully informed the giver that I had less than zero knowledge of what to do with the little bugger. He said there are other ways but this is the most simple and proceeded to slit it right up the center of the breast, carefully cut back the skin (and feathers) until he could cut the breasts easily from the rest.
I took three home and waited until John arrived to clean them. I thought he would want to do it. He had less know-how about it than I started with so I showed him what I learned that day. It really was the first time I think I ever remember seeing pride for me in his eyes (at least that kind of pride - maybe it was shock - dunno).
The kids did not want to try it and I did not force them. I was actually pretty surprised at how well they took the whole thing, especially Josh. It's been a very long time but in the beginning of my blog I shared about the gosling we hatched and raised until it came time to take him back to the farm. He died upside down in a bucket that he couldn't right himself in. We also had a bunch of ducklings and chicks that we hatched and every one of them ended up being killed by predators once they were returned to the farm. Sidenote: if you have never hatched eggs in an incubator with your children you really should consider it. It was an experience we all took part in and will forever remember fondly - even my dear husband.
Back to Daffy - if you wonder what it tastes like I can only offer this; prepared the way we did it tastes similar to the gizzard and heart of a chicken or turkey (that explains why I think it might have been a bit overcooked). Of course, I just lost some of you right there, period. However, as the child growing up in a household of people who happen to love these little morsels and had to 'call' them or lose out on them, I liked the fact that I can enjoy something similar without the cholesterol issues (I don't have issues with it but wouldn't want to either).
If and when I ever have another duck to clean and cook I will choose another method to try and will post it here, I promise :-)
I took three home and waited until John arrived to clean them. I thought he would want to do it. He had less know-how about it than I started with so I showed him what I learned that day. It really was the first time I think I ever remember seeing pride for me in his eyes (at least that kind of pride - maybe it was shock - dunno).
The kids did not want to try it and I did not force them. I was actually pretty surprised at how well they took the whole thing, especially Josh. It's been a very long time but in the beginning of my blog I shared about the gosling we hatched and raised until it came time to take him back to the farm. He died upside down in a bucket that he couldn't right himself in. We also had a bunch of ducklings and chicks that we hatched and every one of them ended up being killed by predators once they were returned to the farm. Sidenote: if you have never hatched eggs in an incubator with your children you really should consider it. It was an experience we all took part in and will forever remember fondly - even my dear husband.
Back to Daffy - if you wonder what it tastes like I can only offer this; prepared the way we did it tastes similar to the gizzard and heart of a chicken or turkey (that explains why I think it might have been a bit overcooked). Of course, I just lost some of you right there, period. However, as the child growing up in a household of people who happen to love these little morsels and had to 'call' them or lose out on them, I liked the fact that I can enjoy something similar without the cholesterol issues (I don't have issues with it but wouldn't want to either).
If and when I ever have another duck to clean and cook I will choose another method to try and will post it here, I promise :-)
You are AWESOME! You crazy Quacker! I can clean fish, I think I can at least, it's been a long time. But you take the cake on this one girl, if it ever hits the fan I'll be hiding out at the your house, where at least I know we can go to the local park and round up some grub. - lol
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You are one brave woman.... my hats off to ya :)
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