Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound chicken liver
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the chicken liver and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into small pieces.
2. In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the mushrooms have released their liquid.
3. Add the chicken liver to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Add the brandy and cook for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol has evaporated.
4. Transfer the liver mixture to a food processor or blender. Add the remaining butter, heavy cream, and crumbled bacon. Process until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of liver spread
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 10g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 120mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken liver can be substituted with beef liver or pork liver.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Brandy can be substituted with cognac or whiskey.
Variations:
- Add chopped herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added flavor.
- Substitute the bacon with prosciutto or pancetta for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the liver thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
- Do not overcook the liver as it can become tough and dry.
- Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Serve the liver spread at room temperature for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store the liver spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the liver spread in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the liver spread on toasted bread or crackers.
- Garnish with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the liver spread is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to thin it out.
- If the liver spread is too salty, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the liver to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store the liver spread in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 5 days.
Food history:
- Liver spread is a popular appetizer in many European countries, particularly in France and Germany.
Flavor profiles:
- The liver spread has a rich and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the onions and brandy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the liver spread as an appetizer or snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A