Roast Mallard with Elderberries

Wild duck and elderberries are a perfect seasonal marriage, and the tartness of the little berries makes a delicious sauce. There are several types of wild duck that could be used for this dish — teal, widgeon and mallard, the most popular probably being the mallard. Most people wouldn’t give elderberries the time of day, but they are well worth the effort and, in the autumn, I always freeze them to use in a dressing for salads, or to drop into a sauce for game birds or venison.