Instructions: That the narrower the vessel, the less fat will be needed to cover duck pieces; however, pieces should not be crowded against the sides. Line up containers and prepare to fill them. Pour boiling water into each; swirl and discard. Thoroughly dry the containers. Immediately place 1/2 teaspoon salt in bottom of each crock; this prevents meat juices (salarque) that may seep from duck during ripening process from turning sour. Examine cooked duck pieces.

Bones may have come lo ose from some pieces; if so, use loose bones to make crisscross platform on bottom of one or all vessels. Reheat fat. Ladle bubbling clear top fat through fine-mesh strainer into each container; be sure not to use the more perishable cloudy fat and meat juices at the bottom (see Note 5). Fill about halfway, slip in still-warm confit pieces without crowding. Ladle in additional clear fat as necessary to cover confit and leave a generous inch of air space between surface of fat and rim of vessel. Rap containers gently on work surface to tamp out any air pockets. Let cool, uncovered, to room temperature.

Store, covered, overnight in refrigerator or in cold cellar or other cool storage area.

12. THE NEXT DAY: Seal confit by spooning a 1-inch layer of melted lard over surface; since lard is more impenetrable to air than duck fat, this protects against spoilage. (Amount of lard necessary will vary with dimensions of your vessels.) Cover with kitchen parchment secured with rubber band; this is sufficient protection with or without lid placed on top. Store in refrigerator. Do not freeze; freezing inhibits the ripening process and dries out the meat.

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