Honey-Roasted Duck Breasts with Toasted Red Quinoa and Asian Pears

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large ovenproof saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. Add the quinoa and cook, stirring, until the quinoa is lightly toasted, 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of the stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and bake for about 20 minutes, until all of the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and fold in the parsley; keep warm.

Meanwhile, spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 4 minutes, until lightly golden; coarsely chop and transfer to a bowl. Increase the oven temperature to 400°.

Score the duck skin in a crosshatch pattern and season with salt and pepper. In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the duck breasts skin side down over low heat until most of the fat has rendered, about 10 minutes. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat. Turn the duck breasts skin side up and add the honey to the pan. Baste the duck with the honey and roast in the oven for 6 to 7 minutes, until medium-rare. Transfer the duck to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in the same skillet, cook the pears over moderately high heat, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes. Add the butter, sherry and remaining 1/4 cup of chicken stock and cook until thickened, stirring to loosen any browned bits, about 3 minutes. Stir in the rosemary.

Thinly slice the duck breasts crosswise. Spoon the quinoa onto 4 plates and top with the duck and pecans. Spoon on the pear sauce and serve.