Name: Duck Two Ways With Clementine-Fig Relish
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, lightly crushed; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, lightly crushed; 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed; 8 duck legs (about 8 1/2 pounds), excess fat trimmed, frenched; Kosher salt; 4 duck breasts (about 3 1/2 pounds), fat trimmed; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 medium leeks, white and pale-green parts only, chopped; 12 sprigs thyme; 4 garlic cloves, crushed; 2 bay leaves; 2 cups dry white wine; 2 clementines, very thinly sliced crosswise (with peel), seeds removed; 1 cup dried black Mission figs, halved; 1 1/2 cups cognac or brandy; 1 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

Image may contain Animal Seafood Food Sea Life Lobster and Meal

Photo by Marcus Nilsson

The best way to tackle this duck recipe is to braise the legs and make the relish in advance, then cook the breasts and crisp the legs on party night.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

67 Warm and Festive Christmas Dinner Ideas
Set a festive mood with any of these impressive holiday mains.
Our 43 Favorite Fig Recipes
Lush, plump figs are the perfect accompaniment for roasted meat—but they're also easily the star of dessert.
87 of Our Best Hanukkah Recipes
We encourage you to eat enough latkes to become a human potato.
55 Roast Recipes That Are Sure to Impress
When it's time to pull out all the stops, only these beef, pork, lamb, chicken,

Slow-Smoked Chicken

An espresso-and-cumin-spiked rub (or brine) gives this smoked chicken impressive flavor.

Charred Vegetable Ragù

This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!

Jammy Grape Galette

We don’t bake with grapes as often as we should. But even the most average supermarket varieties come alive when roasted with a bit of sugar and seasoning.