How to cook a fresh duck

[whereisthewitch]

DH has acquired a duck from a friend. I want to cook it to perfection I.e. make sure it's tender and not greasy with a nice crispy skin.

Any tips wise mumsnetters?

Anyone?

Rubbing salt into the skin will make it crispy.
Make sure to prick the skin all over as it's a fatty bird and that will allow the fat to run out.

Just posted on another thread, I think it was on the turkey haters. Have a look.

You need to prick the skin before you roast it. If it's a farmed duck you can save all the fat for roasties later in the month. (wild ducks don't have much fat)
Mix some oil, honey and five spice together and rub it all over the skin.
Salt it lightly and roast as a chicken.
Remember ducks are no where near as fleshy as chickens so a big bird won't feed many people.

Thanks everyone TheGonnagle it's a wild duck I think.

ItIt's only for me DH and DD I think we might do duck pancakes with it.

Cook It on a rack over the tin so that you can pour off extra fat during cooking and the duck doesn't sit in it. It will also stop your oven and kitchen turning into a black smoke zone.