Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb chicken liver
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped shallots
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup brandy
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the chicken liver and pat dry with paper towels. Cut into small pieces.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the chicken liver to the saucepan and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the brandy and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the alcohol has evaporated.
5. Add the chopped rosemary to the saucepan and stir to combine.
6. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
7. Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer the liver spread to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
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: 100
Total fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken liver can be substituted with beef liver or pork liver.
- Shallots can be substituted with onions.
- Brandy can be substituted with cognac or red wine.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the rosemary with thyme or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Add a tablespoon of heavy cream for a creamier texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the chicken liver thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the spread.
- Chill the liver spread for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
- Store the liver spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, microwave the liver spread for 30 seconds or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the liver spread on toasted baguette slices or crackers.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or chopped parsley.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, and cucumber.
- Olives and pickles.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the liver spread is too thick, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- If the liver spread is too salty, add a tablespoon of unsalted butter to balance the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken liver thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Liver spread is a popular appetizer in many European countries, especially in France and Germany.
Flavor profiles:
- The liver spread has a rich and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the shallots and a fragrant aroma from the rosemary.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the liver spread as an appetizer or snack before a meal.
- Use as a sandwich spread or a topping for grilled meats.
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