My rare and rushed visits home (Malaysia to those of you not in the know) usually end up somewhat frustrating as I never seem to properly catch up with good friends -- we're never able to do more than quick hugs and cry a hurried "How are you?" before having to rush off to other engagements or distractions. So one of the unexpected pleasures of living so far away is the quality time I get to spend with those friends who come over. Slow conversations, humour, the beautiful countryside, and relaxing over good food take centre stage, and the company is satisfyingly appreciated.
Last week a close friend came over to visit and as she's a lover of all things canard, we went in search of the Provencal duck ... not too difficult to track down, although it is here served with honey rather than the better-known orange sauce. Here's where the trail led ...
First to a little restaurant in the village of Lourmarin, where she had Magret de Canard with Honey of 1000 Flowers:
Next, to a small restaurant in the village of Gordes for Magret de Canard with Honey & Balsamic Vinegar:
After which she decided to try her hand at duck herself, and served one up at home in an Orange-Wine Thyme sauce:
Which proved so succesful (it was delicious!) that she produced another a couple of days later, this time with a more Asian-flavoured Tikka sauce that was superb as well:
I am now trying to convince her to return and live with me full-time ... for her own sake you understand, so as to benefit from the lovely fresh air and food ...
A message to certain members of her family (you know who you are): your sister/aunt is a great cook! You are welcome to visit soon and cook for me so as to prove the stories that you are relatively decent cooks yourselves. Perhaps even almost as good as she is. Cheers :)








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