Chicken Liver Pate w/Sage, Apple & Thyme

By stancec44

The recipe makes enough for one large party, or two smaller gatherings. Although it is good straight out of the food processor, the flavor improves after sitting overnight in the fridge, so this is one appetizer that not only can be made ahead, but should be.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken livers
• 6 tablespoons butter at room temperature, divided
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup chopped shallots (about 4 small shallots)
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon sage, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup apple brandy or bourbon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons - 1/4 cup clarified butter, melted (optional)
• Thyme and sage sprigs (optional)
• Sliced baguette, crackers or mini toasts, for serving

Preparation

Step 1

Trim the livers of any excess fat and tough connective tissue. Set aside in the refrigerator.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until edges are just beginning to brown. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are soft and browning at the edges. Add the livers, apple, sage and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until the livers are just barely pink inside when cut and the apple pieces are soft.

Transfer the liver mixture to the bowl of a food processor. Pour the brandy into the skillet and bring to a boil over low heat, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Boil for about 1 minute to reduce slightly, then pour over the liver mixture. Add the salt. Process until mixture is very smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Transfer mixture to a bowl and mix thoroughly with the remaining 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Add pepper to taste. Pack into small jars or ramekins and smooth tops with a spatula or knife. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap against the surface of pâté. For longer storage, pour enough clarified butter to cover the top of each ramekin and add a decorative herb sprig. Chill until butter is firm and cover with plastic wrap or a lid. For best flavor, refrigerate at least overnight before serving.

Let soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving with crackers or baguette slices. Pâté will keep refrigerated for up to one week, or up to two weeks with the clarified butter seal.

Additional Notes:
• To give the livers a milder flavor, place in a bowl and cover with milk. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight, drain and proceed with recipe.

• For a very smooth pâté, press the mixture through a medium sieve before mixing with the softened butter.