Duck and Peach Salad in a French Inspired Kitchen

Hi beautiful people

Thanks for all the lovely comments generally and  the emails requesting the Duck and Peach salad recipe. Scroll down for the recipe if that's why you are visiting today.  But before I get there, I just wanted to thank everyone for such a great welcome to the blogoshpere.




Bilgola Beach, Sydney, Australia. My Dad was a foundation member of that surf lifesaving club, you can just make out  in the extreme right on the beach.

I have only been writing my coastal lifestyle blog for two weeks and I can tell you it's been an amazing journey so far.  I've had thousands of hits and your kindness and the welcome you have given me, has just been ab fab.

I guess starting out in the blogoshere is a bit like immigrating to a new country.  I have often wondered what that would be like. Haven't you? Those of you who have already moved countries will know exactly what I mean.  Learning new rules and customs and a culture that can be overwhelming and beautifully different, all at the same time.  At least I am thankful I can speak the language.

Palm Beach, Sydney Australia

A different turn of phrase, knowing what is expected, how to make new friends, when to relax and move on. Especially when trying to wrangle Blogger.   These are all things we take for granted in our own world, but we perhaps stumble a little, when we enter a new one.

Pittwater north to Lion Island, Northern Beaches Sydney, Austalia

There is something about a coastal lifestyle that gives me very hip and happening subject matter to write about.  It has a fresh, young and healthy feel and the possibilities seem endless. There are lots of coastal blogs out there and I have discovered some sensational coastal inspiration for future projects and  met some lovely like minded beach combers.

So thanks again darling bloggers.  As I said in my Boat House Post, glass of bubbly in hand.  Here's to a long and successful blogging career for Desire Empire.

And now back to the Beach House Kitchen for something I prepared earlier.  It is one of about six recipes I refer to as a 'week night whip up', as it is really quick to prepare and a bit of a show stopper.  It should be served on a large platter.  I think salads are such colourful beauties, that all the ingredients should be visible.

Duck and Peach Salad with Caramelised Vinaigrette

• 2 cooked Duck Breasts  I use pre cooked Luv a Duck Peking Duck available from Australian supermarkets reheated in a frypan for a few minutes, but any bird fillets are fine, fried off with a little garlic in olive oil.  Also I have used prawns.  You could also use lamb.
• 1 can of drained diced peaches
• 1 good handful of crumbled Danish Feta to sprinkle on the top of the salad.  Danish feta has the texture of goats cheese, but is more affordable and I think tastier.
• Salad leaves.  Such as baby spinach or mescalin

Now those are the must haves.  All the other salad ingredients can be of your choice.  I have used

• asparagus
• avocado
• cherry tomatoes
• cucumber
• sliced carrot
• radishes
• prunes
• 2-3 handfuls of Mr Chang's fried noodles
• roast sweet potato
• Spanish onion
• shallots
• parsley
• mint
• walnuts or any other, to add texture.  I don't roast them but you could if you had time.
• or any other salad vegetable you desire

Dressing

• Vinaigrette, which is 2 parts good quality extra virgin olive oil 1 part white vinegar and a tspn of Dijon mustard.
• Drizzle with caramelised balsamic vinegar for presentation.

Combine all the ingredients of choice with the 'must haves', dress and serve.  Et Bon appetit!

Here it is with the prawns

Just for a bit of fun, I have put together a mood board of the kitchen, in which I would love to prepare the salad.  I think it is French inspired and looks like it belongs in one of those gorgeous stone French homes, generally known as a mas.  I am still trying to convince Mr Beach House, that 3 months in the south of France would suit us all very well, but for now, I will make do with this picture.

Happy guilt free eating my friends

Lot of Love

C
All coastal shots in this blog were sourced from http://www.realestate.com.au/ The French kitchen was put together by me, at olioboard.  All the other kitchen and deck shots are mine.  C

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