The Smoked Duck & Citrus Brioche Canapé

## **The Smoked Duck & Citrus Brioche Canapé**

*Yields: 12-15 canapés*

### **1. The Components**

| Component | Ingredient Detail |

| --- | --- |

| **The Base** | 1 loaf of high-quality Brioche (sliced into 1-inch thick rounds or squares) |

| **The Protein** | 1 Smoked Duck Breast (chilled for easier slicing) |

| **The Citrus Gel** | 1 cup Orange or Yuzu juice, 1.5g Agar-agar, 1 tsp Sugar |

| **The Cocoa Crumble** | ¼ cup Panko crumbs, 1 tbsp Cocoa powder (unsweetened), 1 tbsp melted Butter, pinch of Sea salt |

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### **2. The Method**

#### **The Luminous Citrus Gel**

1. In a small saucepan, whisk the juice, sugar, and **agar-agar**.

2. Bring to a boil while whisking constantly. Let it simmer for 1 minute to activate the agar.

3. Pour into a flat, shallow container (aiming for a 1/2-inch depth) and refrigerate for 30 minutes until set into a firm jelly.

4. Once set, use a sharp knife to cut perfect, tiny cubes.

#### **The Cocoa Crumble**

1. Toss panko, cocoa powder, melted butter, and salt together until the crumbs are dark and evenly coated.

2. Toast in a pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and extra crunchy. Let cool.

#### **The Brioche & Duck**

1. **Brioche:** Use a small circular cutter to punch out "coins" of brioche. Lightly toast them in a dry pan until golden on both sides.

2. **Duck:** Slice the chilled smoked duck breast into thin, translucent ribbons.

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### **3. The Assembly (Plating Art)**

1. **Base:** Place the warm brioche coin on a slate or white ceramic plate.

2. **The Crown:** Fold a ribbon of duck elegantly on top, creating volume.

3. **The Jewel:** Place one single, luminous citrus gel cube off-center on the duck.

4. **The Contrast:** Sprinkle a small pinch of the cocoa crumble over one side of the duck, allowing some to fall onto the plate for "artistic scatter."

5. **Finish:** (Optional) Add a tiny micro-green or a single petal of thyme for a pop of color.

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### **A Chef’s Note on Balance**

Smoked duck is naturally salty and rich. Ensure your citrus gel has enough acidity (a splash of lemon juice added to the orange juice helps) to cut through that fat. The cocoa crumble should be savory-leaning, not sweet, to provide that "modern" edge.