Roasted Duck Breast with Pumpkin Cream Gnocchi

Fall isn't the only thing in the air... the ducks are beginning to fly as well. Those crisp fall mornings should not solely be dedicated to the deer woods. If you can pry yourself away long enough then you should hit your nearest waterway to knock down some duck for this amazing seasonal recipe.

Personally, I think I love pumpkin as much as I love fresh duck. I always smile when I walk in the grocery and see that stack of pumpkins. This year I decided to mix wild duck and pumpkin to create a dish that really tastes amazing. First off, you have to start with fresh pumpkin. Don't sacrifice for the canned version. You will kick yourself later. I chunk up the pumpkin and steam it, skin on, before tossing it into the food processor to purée. If you have left overs then you are one step ahead for some pumpkin pie.

The creaminess of this dish mix well with the earthy undertones and will make you proud to set it down in front of your family this fall.

Ingredients:

• 2 duck breasts
• 1 lbs prepared Gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh pumpkin purée
• 3/4 cups heavy cream
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp minced shallots
• 1 tsp fresh minced thyme
• 1 tbsp butter
• Crispy chopped bacon and Parmesan cheese as a garnish

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
2. Season the duck breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to your duck breasts.
3. Bring a cast iron skillet to medium high heat and place the duck breasts fat side down to cook for 5 minutes.
4. Flip the breasts and place the pan in the oven for about 9 minutes for medium rare. (Once cooked, allow the breast to rest out of the pan for a few minutes before slicing)
5. While the breasts are in the oven bring a medium sauce pan to medium heat.
6. Melt the butter and stir in the garlic, shallots, and thyme. Cool for 2 minutes.
7. Stir in the pumpkin purée, salt, black pepper, and heavy cream.
8. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes while stirring continuously.
9. You can either stir in the Gnocchi or serve the sauce on top.
10. Slice the duck breast and serve over Gnocchi and sauce.
11. Garnish with crispy bacon and grated Parmesan.

Enjoy!