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Duck Liver Pâté

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This may not be as good as a true foie gras, but it's similar enough in flavor for a dish that costs only pennies to make. Not only can the pâté be served on toast — it can also serve as a finish for a classic Beef Wellington or enhance a stuffing or a meat loaf.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1/2 cup, enough for about 16 toasts

Ingredients

3

ounces duck fat

1

large shallot, peeled and coarsely chopped (2 1/2 tablespoons)

1

duck liver (about 3 ounces), cut into 1-inch pieces

1

/4 teaspoon herbes de Provence

1

clove garlic, peeled and crushed

1

/4 teaspoon salt

1

/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1

teaspoon Cognac

16

1/4-inch-thick horizontal slices from a small baguette, toasted

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    1. Place duck fat in a skillet, and cook over medium to high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until the fat has melted and some of it has browned.

    Step 2

    2. Add the shallots, and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. Add the liver, herbes de Provence, and garlic, and cook over medium to high heat for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    3. Transfer the mixture to a blender, add the Cognac, and blend until liquefied. If a finer textured pâté is desired, push the mixture through the holes of a strainer with a spoon. This will yield 1/2 cup. Let cool for at least 1 1/2 hours, then cover and and refrigerate until serving time.

    Step 4

    4. Spread the pâté on the toasted baguette slices, and serve. The pâté will keep, well covered, for 3 to 4 days.

Jacques Pepin's Kitchen: Cooking with Claudine Bay Books & Tapes, Inc.