Duck à l'Orange

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup honey
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Clean and dry the duck, then season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme inside and out.
3. In a roasting pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Place the seasoned duck in the pan, breast side down. Cook for 15 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 15 minutes.
5. While the duck is cooking, mix together the orange juice, chicken broth, honey, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
6. After the duck has cooked for 30 minutes, pour the orange juice mixture over the duck. Place back in the oven and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, basting the duck with the sauce every 15 minutes.
7. If desired, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this into the sauce to