Holiday Pate
A rich, savory pâté infused with chicken livers, walnuts, and spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant appetizers, offering a smooth texture and warm flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add the chicken livers and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 3/4 cup of chicken broth, sherry, paprika, allspice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon.
- Soften the gelatin in the remaining 3/4 cup of chicken broth and dissolve over boiling water.
- Place the chicken liver mixture in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Stir the dissolved gelatin and chopped walnuts into the blended mixture.
- Pour into a mold or small molds and chill until firm.
- Can be frozen for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream or cream cheese to the liver mixture before blending. If you're short on time, you can substitute the chicken livers with canned liver pâté. Ensure to taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon or replace it with apple cider vinegar for acidity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Holiday Pâté with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or toasted baguette for a delightful appetizer. Pair it with a sweet chutney or fruit preserves for a contrasting flavor. It also goes well with a crisp green salad or as part of a charcuterie board alongside meats like Grilled Chicken or cheeses for an impressive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To freeze, wrap the molded pâté tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Pate contains roughly 660 calories, with 13g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 830mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of liver for this recipe?
Yes, you can use beef or duck liver as alternatives to chicken livers. Just be aware that different livers have varying flavors and textures; beef liver will give a stronger taste, while duck liver tends to be richer and creamier.
How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
To create a vegetarian pâté, consider using cooked mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas as a base. Blend with the same spices and gelatin to achieve similar consistency. You can also add nuts for richness and flavor, mimicking the texture of traditional pâté.
How long should I chill the pâté before serving?
It's best to chill the pâté for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld and the gelatin to set completely, resulting in a firmer texture that's easier to slice and serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).