Sugar-and-Spice Skillet-Roasted Duck Breasts

• 2 whole star anise pods
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Six 6-ounce boneless Pekin duck breasts, skin lightly scored in a crosshatch pattern
• Salt

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. In a spice grinder, grind the star anise pods and black peppercorns to a powder.
3. Transfer the powder to a small bowl and stir in the sugar, cinnamon and cardamom.
4. Heat a large ovenproof skillet.
5. Season the duck breasts with salt and generously sprinkle them with the spice mixture.
6. Add the duck breasts to the skillet, skin side down.
7. Cook over moderate heat until the skin is browned and crisp, about 5 minutes.
8. Turn the breasts and cook for about 2 minutes longer.
9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the duck breasts for about 5 minutes, until they are medium-rare.
10. Transfer the duck breasts to a carving board and let rest for about 5 minutes.
11. Thickly slice the duck, arrange the slices on plates and serve.

star anise pods, black peppercorns, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, pattern, salt

Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/sugar-and-spice-skillet-roasted-duck-breasts (may not work)