Name: Basic Duck Stock
Cook time: Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: Cook time: 6 hours
Yield: Makes about 6 quarts
Ingredients: Carcasses of 4 to 6 wild ducks, 2 to 3 wild geese, or 1 to 2 domestic ducks or geese, including wing tips, neck, and innards (not the liver), if possible; Vegetable oil, for coating; Kosher salt; 1 pig's foot or 20 duck or chicken feet (optional); 1 large yellow or white onion, chopped; 1 large carrot, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1/2 ounce (about 1 handful) dried mushrooms (any kind); 1 tablespoon black peppercorns; 1 tablespoon juniper berries (optional); 3 bay leaves; 1 large sprig rosemary; Tops from 1 fennel bulb (optional); Stems from 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 10 fresh sage leaves, chopped; 1 tablespoon dried or fresh thyme

Image may contain Bowl Dish Food Meal Soup Bowl and Soup

This is my standard duck or goose stock. It is the stock that I call for in the recipes in this book. In other words, you need to make lots. Every time you get a carcass, save it for stock. If you dont have a lot of ducks around at one time, save them up for future rounds of stock making. You can chop up the carcasses before freezing, so they take up less space.

Make this stock when you have a day off, as it takes all day. The good news is that you will be rewarded with 4 quarts or more of rich stock that is a perfect base for stews, soups, or wintertime risottos or polenta—or even eaten on its own as a clear soup.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.