I had gotten it into my head that I was going to surprise everyone at a holiday meal with roasting one of my favorite meals: crispy Peking duck.
The main problem of course is that I had never made it. How hard can it be?
Step 1: Research the dish. Discover that it involves pumping air under the skin for three days, preferably with an air compressor and a walk in cooler. I have neither.
Skip Step 1
Step 2 Discover that I don't like the spices (All spice) and marinades among the confusing variety of Hanhan and other regional differences.
Skip Step 2
Buy ducks. Replace unhealthy mixture with mild curry, turmeric and herbs.
Step3 Defrost ducks in fridge. This will ruin the surprise and according to the internet can take 2 hours to overnight.
Skip Step 3
Wait till people are asleep. Put duck on rack. Use fresh orange juice. Smother in spices. Put frozen duck into oven. Cover with aluminum foil cover once a little browned apply orange juice every half hour or so.
Poke it.
The taste test. Delectable. Not as crispy as I like, but good enough. Serve. SURPRISE. Everyone loves it until a family member noticed:"Why did you leave the giblets in?" Laughter errupts. "The giblets? Why are there giblets? I don't know how to cook anything with giblets."
Life is short. Duck is delicious and there are no leftovers when I invite people to Almost crispy Peking duck au giblee.
If you have any hilarious cooking/baking adventures please share.
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