Crisp Duck Breast with Pink Peppercorn Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 whole boneless duck breasts with skin such as Long Island (each about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 (6 1/2-ounce) container duck-and-veal demiglace
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely crushed peppercorns (preferably pink)

Directions

Halve duck breasts and trim excess fat. Pat duck dry. Pierce skin of duck all over with a fork and score with a knife to allow fat to drain and help skin become crisp. Season duck with salt. Heat a large heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over high heat until very hot. Put duck, skin sides down, in skillet and immediately reduce heat to moderately low. Cook duck 20 minutes, or until skin is mahogany-colored and most of fat is rendered. Remove fat from skillet with a metal bulb baster or by very carefully pouring it off. Turn duck over and cook 2 minutes more. Transfer duck to a cutting board and let stand 5 minutes. (Duck will continue to cook as it stands until it reaches medium.)

While duck is standing, in a small saucepan boil demiglace until reduced to about 3/4 cup and add vinegar, sugar, and peppercorns. Remove pan from heat and keep sauce warm, covered. Diagonally cut duck breast halves and serve with sauce.