Honey-Orange Glazed Roasted Duck
For a smaller, intimate holiday gathering, a beautifully roasted duck offers a luxurious and deeply satisfying alternative to traditional poultry. The duck is pricked all over to allow the excess fat to render out, ensuring the skin becomes exceptionally thin and crispy. During the final stages of roasting, it is generously brushed with a glossy, sweet-and-tangy glaze made from fresh orange juice, honey, orange zest, a splash of soy sauce, and a touch of star anise. The result is a stunning, lacquered bird with a rich, succulent interior and a sweet, aromatic citrus crust that screams holiday elegance.