Hoisin Roasted Duck, the beging of a memorable experience!

I am one of those that remembers special events or days that had extreme meaning in my life, such as March 7, 2010. That was one of the most beautifully spent days for me in which I will hold close to heart much like the couple I prepared this duck for back in 1996 for the 10 year anniversary of there first kiss, that is correct I said kiss, not marriage. Fact is I still get a Christmas Card from the couple every year and to date the meal I prepared for them is still there most memorable some 17 years later. Duck is one of those birds or fowl that needs patience and care in preparing, trying to rush the preparation of Hoisin Duck will end leaving the ducks meat very tough and the skin almost rubber like when what you want is crisp skin and flavor filled tenderness inside. The application is much like preparing Peking Duck although in this recipe only the Ducks breast are used and the brine they are soaked in is cold unlike the Peking Duck where the whole bird is first soaked in the spiced filled bath on the stove top prior to green tea smoking it which is also done in this application or recipe. I will offer the preparation of this over a couple of postings and begin with the brine. Many chefs do not believe in brining, as with anything I believe there is a place for it and balance is key, it all depend on the individual recipe, one belief I do have in common is that many brine's are filled with too much sodium leaving a salty finish, once again patience. Trying to push flavor and tenderness needs to be done gently and over time, if you are looking for a quick duck recipe this one is not for you. So what is in the brine you ask?

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups water (reserve 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup Bokbunja (black raraspberry wine)
2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp clove
1 tsp star anise
1 tsp five spice
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 bay leaves

Simply combine all the mentioned ingredients in a pot, bring to boil, reduce to simmer for 15 mins, remove from heat, add reserved water and allow to cool for 30 mins then place in refrigerator for additional 30 mins before going to next step which will be my next post. Until then "Think Good Thoughts & Smile".