Name: Black-Pepper-Roasted Duck Breasts with Grilled Plums
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 12-to 14-ounce boneless Muscovy duck breast halves, trimmed of excess fat; 4 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided; 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided; 6 firm but ripe Santa Rosa plums or other purple plums, halved, pitted; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; Ingredient tip: We use Muscovy duck breasts in this recipe because they are tender and full-flavored. Look for them fresh or frozen at some supermarkets or order them at dartagnan.com.

Image may contain Food Meal Human and Person

Black-Pepper-Roasted Duck Breasts with Grilled PlumsCoral von Zumwalt

The intense flavor of grilled plums is delicious with roasted duck.

What to drink:

A Malbec would be a great pairing for the duck. The Argentinean red wine has enough structure to stand up to the tannins in the plums. We like the fruity, floral Alamos 2006 Malbec ($14).

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.