Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound chicken liver
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Large skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the chicken livers and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any visible fat or connective tissue.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken livers to the skillet and cook until browned on the outside but still pink on the inside, about 5 minutes. Add the brandy and thyme and cook until the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes.
4. Transfer the liver mixture to a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil and pulse again until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
6. To assemble the crostini, spread a generous amount of the chopped liver mixture on each slice of baguette. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Skillet: medium-high heat
- Oven: 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 20 crostini
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken liver can be substituted with beef liver or duck liver.
- Brandy can be substituted with cognac or whiskey.
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
Variations:
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs to the liver mixture for added texture.
- Top the crostini with sliced cornichons or pickled onions for a tangy contrast.
- Use the chopped liver mixture as a sandwich filling or a dip for vegetables.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the chicken livers well and remove any visible fat or connective tissue before cooking.
- Don't overcook the livers or they will become tough and dry.
- Use a food processor or blender to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Toast the baguette slices just before serving to keep them crispy.
Storage instructions:
- Store the chopped liver mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the chopped liver mixture in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the crostini on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers.
- Serve the crostini with a side of mixed greens or a fruit salad.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced cornichons
- Pickled onions
- Edible flowers
Pairings:
- Red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Champagne
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad
- Fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the liver mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter and pulse again until desired consistency is achieved.
- If the crostini are too hard or burnt, reduce the oven temperature or shorten the baking time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken livers to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.
- Store the chopped liver mixture in the refrigerator at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Chopped liver is a traditional Jewish dish that originated in Eastern Europe.
- It was originally made with calf or goose liver, but chicken liver became more popular in the United States due to its affordability and availability.
Flavor profiles:
- Rich and savory
- Creamy and smooth
- Tangy and slightly sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a light meal.
- Pair with a glass of red or sparkling wine for a sophisticated touch.
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