Duck with Blackberry Sauce

Sauce: (can be prepared 1 day ahead - cover and chill if so)

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy, large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add sugar and stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a deep amber colour (about 5 minutes)
3. Add wine, orange juice and vinegar (mixture will bubble vigorously)
4. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve caramel
5. Add 1 1/4 cups berries and both broths and boil until the sauce thickens and is reduced to about 1 cup, stirring occasionally (about 25 minutes)
6. Strain sauce through sieve into heavy small saucepan, pressing on berries with back of spoon
7. Mix in Cognac and maple syrup
8. Set sauce aside

Duck:

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F
2. Trim any excess fat from duck breasts
3. Cut three 4-inch-long by 1/16-inch-deep lengthwise slits in skin (not meat) of duck
4. Season duck with salt and pepper
5. Heat heavy large ovenproof skillet over high heat until hot
6. Add duck, skin-side down, and sear until brown (about 5 minutes)
7. Turn over and cook for 3 minutes
8. Transfer skillet to oven, continue cooking to desired done-ness (about 3 minutes for medium)
9. Meanwhile, bring sauce to simmer over low heat
10. Add remaining tablespoon of butter and whisk until just melted
11. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper

Serving:

1. Spoon sauce onto plates
2. Slice duck and place atop sauce
3. Garnish with additional berries if desired and serve