52 replies to this topic

[Kate File]

Well I am at day 23 and all is going well. Then I realised I have not even opened the jar of duck fat that I bought in my preparations. I have just used ghee, coconut oil and a bit of olive oil. Of course there is a bit a reluctance on my part as the idea of using duck fat is kinda gross, but that is my old school thinking. I need to get with the program on duck fat. Any suggestions?

In the frypan I fry my eggs, sausages, salmon, chicken pieces, lamb (for lamb rogan josh), prosciutto. I love to toss my carrots, parsnips and sweet potato in coconut oil and spices and roast in oven.

[Susan W]

Duck fat is fabulous. I love the flavor. It's stronger than chicken fat, but I think possibly using it for chicken would be a good introduction. I'd tell you to take a small taste, but it might put you off. It's delicious, but stronger than the other fats you are using. Think bacon fat/ghee, but poultry flavor. I am SO not doing a good job of explaining it.

[Luke91]

Sweet potatoes roasted in duck fat might be my favourite food. I melt the duck fat in the microwave, toss the sweet potato in the liquid and roast them. They are also great par boiled then pan fried in some duck fat.

[Susan W]

Where are you guys finding duck fat?

[Luke91]

Looks like both of us are in Australia so probably not much help to you. I can get it from my local supermarket chain. Or save the duck fat after I've cooked duck.

[Susan W]

Oh my..at a regular supermarket? Unheard of here and only people who hunt have access to duck. Well, that's not true, I think some of the good butcher shops downtown and the farmer's markets may carry good duck worthy of the fat.

[Luke91]

Surprisingly we can get free range duck from one of the normal large supermarket chains. Same with kangaroo!

[homerfrizzell]

Duck fat is fantastic! It's what I usually cook with - here's a Yucca Fries recipe from Chris Kresser that is delicious: http://chriskresser....ipe-yucca-fries

[Renée Lee]

The roasted brussels sprouts recipe here is the Best. Thing. Ever.

http://whole9life.co...nksgiving-2011/

[Robin Strathdee]

I totally just talked to my computer..."Duck fat in a JAR?! At the store?!" Then I saw you were both overseas.

Crap end of the stick over here...

[Derval]

We have it in Ireland too sorry robin!

[Susan W]

I hate or love all of you. Haven't decided yet.

[angifi]

Oh my goodness, duck fat is amazing. I love to roast chicken and veggies which I have smeared in the fat. It just gives a gorgeous crispness and lovely flavour.

I am surprised you can't get it in the US. I am also in Australia .

[Renée Lee]

You CAN get it in the US, the source is just suspect, and you have to go to a speciality store for it.

[homerfrizzell]

Yes, and if you're in NYC, you've got a few options including a CSA or Farmers' Market. I saw it yesterday at Eataly - I haven't looked at Whole Foods yet.
Or, another option - buy duck breasts or a duck and save the fat from cooking.

[Renée Lee]

That's what I do, Homer. One duck produces so much fat, it'll last you _forever_

I got a goose last Christmas from my CSA and all that fat lasted me until June or July. (btw, you haven't had eggs until you've had them fried in goose fat)

[homerfrizzell]

Renée, thank you for the goose reminder. I will see if I can't get one this year and try those eggs.

[Robin Strathdee]

Okay, I live in armpit Southwest Missouri. A duck at my local meat shop is gonna run me $35 (about $5/lb, I think). Will I get enough fat to make it worth it?

We know we love the meat, but that's a whopper in my food budget.

[homerfrizzell]

Robin, a whole duck should get you about three or four cups of duck fat. Another option to start with would be to cook duck breast, using a baster to draw down the fat or pouring out the fat as you go - that should get you enough to cook with for a little while and won't be as much of a hit to the food budget.

[Robin Strathdee]

I wish I could get just the breast! I think that next time my budget allows, though, I'll just grab a big one. My 4 year old ate BOTH legs last time.