Beef Chili

I have been accused by a certain someone of having 'so much' stuff that I wouldn't know if some of my things were to 'disappear' (not in the magical or thievery sense but in the throw away/give away sense). My response to this insanity is usually in the form of a slight protest ('that would not happen') along with a veiled threat ('one could be punished by some higher power'). While recently living out east for several years I would sometimes wonder if that certain someone would really throw away/give away my things (while the cat is away, the mouse will reorganize everything). None of my fears came to fruition but a discovery was made upon my return. I will start by saying I am finally relented in believing there is some truth to the 'out of sight, out of mind' adage. While looking for some brown tortoise glassware I thought I had, I (re)discovered an unopened LeCreuset box containing a 7 1/4 quart cast iron Dutch oven in the most beautiful shade of cream (how many other things were hidden from view by a certain someone while I was away?). Upon (re)discovering the box I remembered I had bought it shortly after buying one for my sister one Christmas several years ago. Uncharacteristically I didn't put the pan to use right away. I wonder what other 'out of sight, out of mind' things are waiting to be found?

My Tucson friend recently shared a beef chili recipe with me, one her husband received from one of his customers years ago (story has it this chili had once won a contest somewhere in Ohio). With the rediscovery of the Dutch oven and receipt of the chili recipe all happening within 24 hours of each other, it seemed as if the universe was telling me to 'christen' the dutch oven with the beef chili recipe. It was also time for me to make the 'from sweet to savory' shift (at least momentarily).

When I looked at the ingredients in the recipe I wondered if it was going to be a 'thin, more saucy chili or a rich, thicker chili?'. I was still hoping the answer was going to be a rich, thick chili as I opened up all of the cans of tomatoes and tomato sauces. I won't completely admit to how much I like to get the answers I hope for (but who doesn't?), so I won't go on endlessly describing how beyond thrilled I was when I got the answer I wanted. I will simply say this is a hearty, soul satisfying, wickedly divine, bound to get you rave reviews from family and friends kind of chili. Someone in Ohio knew what they were doing when they created this beef chili recipe. My apologies to all Texans.

The base layer of this chili begins with sautéing a diced, large sweet onion in two tablespoons of vegetable oil on low heat until is has softened (cooking time ranges from 5 to 10 minutes). Increasing the heat to medium-high, the ground beef (I used ground chuck) is added to the onions. Cooking time is approximately ten minutes or until the meat is no longer pink. The recipe called for one and one-half pounds of ground beef, however, for an even meatier chili, I would (strongly) recommend increasing the ground chuck to anywhere between 1 3/4 to 2 pounds.

After the onion and beef layers comes the spice layer. The chili powder, Aleppo pepper, taco seasoning, brown sugar, salt and pepper are added and the entire mixture is cooked over medium-high heat for another 1 to 2 minutes. I used a pre-packed taco seasoning mix but you could make your own.

Reducing the heat to low-simmer, the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste are layered on next. Covering the pot the onion/meat/spice/tomatoes are simmered for 50 to 60 minutes (stir occasionally). Originally thinking two 28 ounce cans of tomato sauce would create a 'thinner' chili, I decided to use one 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes and one 28 ounce can of tomato sauce. Because I liked, no let me reframe, because I LOVED the outcome of the texture of the chili, I would definitely repeat this alteration to the recipe again. Lastly, the kidney beans (rinsed and drained), black beans (rinsed and drained), chili beans and diced jalapeños are mixed in. The chili continues to cook on low-simmering heat for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the jalapeños are tender.

The heat in this chili comes from both the spices and jalapeños. Not having tasted the chili before, I went conservative on the 'heat' factor using only three of jalapeños and not using any of its' seeds. Now that I have tasted the chili, I would use four jalapeños and 'some' of the seeds. What do I mean by some? At least half of the seeds from one of the jalapeños. If that doesn't increase the 'heat' factor enough, I would use all of the seeds from just one of the jalapeños or I would increase the amount of Aleppo pepper. The combination of increasing the jalapeño seeds and Aleppo pepper would definitely ramp up the 'spiciness' to the chili. (Note: I generally used Aleppo pepper in lieu of red pepper flakes as I like the flavor it imparts.)

After making the beef chili I called my Tucson friend saying I wish I had a drone to send her a delivery so she could tell me how it compared (or didn't) to how she has made it. You see the recipe she shared with me contained only the ingredients. So I used what I know about building layers of flavor and made the chili using this knowledge. It is quite possible when she reads this blog she will be wondering what happened to the recipe she had sent me. I suppose we should have a beef chili throwdown the next time I come out to visit (if I am invited back!). My hope is that there is no discernible difference (other than 'heat') between the two. You probably have guessed by now I like when I get what I hope for. (When I make a friend's sugar cookies in a couple of weeks, I should probably make the 75 minute drive up to her house so she can weigh in on them after I take some liberties with her recipe too.)

A certain someone here declared this beef chili 'a winner'. Not only was he unaware of its' origins as a chili cook-off winner, he doesn't always give everything I make such a resounding endorsement (go figure). Often I am too 'close' to making a dish to be its' best 'rater'. Given I can be fairly hyper-critical (of myself), the feedback helps me gauge how close (or far off) my own assessment of the dish was. 

For family and friends who aren't big fans of a chili with too much spice, remember it can always be cooled down with the sides of Mexican Crema (or sour cream), freshly grated aged Cheddar cheese, mild green onions, and some corn bread or corn muffins. And oh, don't forget the Dos Equis. 

Recipe
Beef Chili (slight liberties taken with the recipe shared by friends Sue and John Workman)
Serves 8 to 12 or more (this makes alot of chili!)

Ingredients
1 large sweet onion, diced
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (if you like an even meatier chili, use 2 pounds of ground chuck)
4 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning (I used a one ounce package of Old El Paso Original Taco Seasoning Mix which was just slightly short of 4 Tablespoons. You can also make your own taco seasoning.)
2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or crushed red pepper. If you like your chili hotter, increase the amount the Aleppo or red pepper up to one Tablespoon)
3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes with Zesty Jalapeños 
1 (28 ounce) can of stewed tomatoes
1 (28 to 29 ounce) can of tomato sauce
1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes (or use two (28-29 ounce) cans of tomato sauce)
1 (15.5 ounce) can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15.5 ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can of mild or spicy chili beans (do not drain or rinse)
2 (6 ounce size) cans of tomato paste
4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (for a chili with some heat, use all 4 jalapeño peppers; for a milder chili use 2 jalapeño peppers; I was a spice wimp and used only 3 jalapeño peppers) Note: For added heat, add some of the jalapeño seeds to the chili.

Mexican Crema or Sour Cream
Grated aged cheddar cheese 
Sliced Green onions
Cornbread

Directions
1. In a large, heavy 6 to 7 quart pot (use cast iron if possible), heat the vegetable oil over moderately low heat, cooking until the onions have softened (about 5 to 10 minutes).
2. Increase heat to medium, add the ground chuck for about 10 minutes or until it is no longer pink (stir occasionally breaking up any large lumps).
3. Add chili powder, Aleppo pepper, taco seasoning, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to simmer, add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer, covered for 50 to 60 minutes (stir occasionally).
5. Add kidney beans, black beans, chili beans and diced jalapeños. Simmer for additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the jalapeños are tender.
6. Serve in bowls and top with Mexican Crema (or sour cream), grated cheese and sliced green onions. Serve with cornbread.
Note: Can be made the day before. Reheat on simmer until hot.

 Concord grapes growing in Little Compton, Rhode Island (early September 2014)

Sea Salted Peanut Brittle

The pre-packaged Halloween cookies and candy are ready and waiting for the tricker or treaters. And hopefully they will be out braving the wintery weather tonight (a most terrible trick played by Mother Nature this year). A part of me that wishes these were 'Little House on the Prairie Days' where the Halloween treats were homemade instead of store bought (although back then a store bought treat may have been more coveted and treasured than one homemade). Years ago in the neighborhood I lived in my treats for the kids in my immediate neighborhood were actually homemade. The year I did not have the warm chocolate chip cookies waiting for them when they came to door and instead had a tray of pre-packaged cookies and candy was one where I think at least one of them considered egging the house. Needless to say, the homemade chocolate chip cookies returned the following year. Had I been making candies back then, the adult neighbors accompanying their children on this annual candy collecting trek would be given a bag of peanut brittle.

Peanut brittle is an American confection originating in the South or so some would like to believe. One legend attributes its' creation to a Southern woman who in 1890 mistakenly added baking soda instead of cream of tartar to a batch of taffy. Instead of a chewy taffy, the mixture became a crunchy brittle. Another version of its' origin is grounded in Southern folklore. The fabled hero Tony Beaver (a cousin of Paul Bunyan) is alleged to have saved a town from a flood by pouring peanuts and molasses into the river (it must have been a hot, raging river). This ingenuity not only prevented widespread damage to the town but resulted in the creation of brittle. Whether or not peanut brittle was actually created as a result of a mistake or a legendary save of a fictional town, this is one delicious sweet-salty-crunchy confection.

There is something rather addictive about peanut brittle. A sweet salty combination, made very slightly more salty with the finishing touch of sea salt isn't as hard to make as I had thought. Being more of a visual learner, watching someone make peanut brittle at a cooking demonstration one day had me thinking 'and why did I think was so hard'. Isn't it funny how we sometimes make things more difficult than they really are? 

When shopping for the ingredients I couldn't remember if I needed raw Spanish peanuts or roasted salted Spanish peanuts (this is why I shouldn't be trying new recipes without having a list with me). I ended up buying the roasted salted Spanish peanuts and fortunately still had pretty good results with the brittle. Reading Fine Cooking's article on Putting the Buttery Crunch in Peanut Brittle I learned raw peanuts not only contribute to enhancing the flavor of the peanut brittle, but they can be added in early in the cooking process. Roasted nuts should be added in at the end of the cooking time as they are subject to burning and giving the brittle a bitter taste. If using any other nuts (cashews, walnuts, pecans) when making the brittle, they should too should be added near the cooking process or when the candy thermometer reaches 290 degrees.

The brittle fairies must have been watching over me because I added the the Roasted Salted Peanuts at the beginning and not at the end of the cooking process. Not wanting to take any chances these fairies won't be around the next time I make this brittle, I will make two changes: Buying and using the raw Spanish peanuts or adding the roasted salted Spanish peanuts at the end of the cooking process.

When the butter, vanilla and baking soda are added when the candy thermometer reaches 300 degrees, the entire mixture will foam up. The entire mixture remains on the heat until all the butter has melted (another lesson learned in this brittle making process). If you don't have a heavy saucepan (am a big All-Clad fan), the brittle and the caramel recipes are just two reasons why you should have (at least) one.

This recipe calls for using not one, but three baking sheets (buttered or sprayed with Pam). The brittle poured into narrow (about 4 inches) lines and divided equally between the three baking sheets. This results in a thinner versus thicker brittle. Once cooled the brittle is broken into pieces. To keep the brittle fresh store in a tightly sealed container or package in cellophane bags. A warning to my friends: Expect to see peanut brittle on the holiday cookie/candy trays this year!

Recipe
Sea Salted Peanut Brittle (slight adaptations to a recipe shared by Sharon Wussow)

Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
2 cups raw Spanish peanuts (or roasted salted Spanish peanuts)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
Sea salt for sprinkling
Butter and/or Pam spray for cookie sheets

Directions
1. Butter or spray three bakings sheets. Set aside.
2. In a medium-sized, heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves.
3. Add raw Spanish peanuts and cook over medium-high heat stirring frequently until candy thermometer reaches 300 degrees. Notes: (1) Cooking time will range from 20 to 30 minutes and (2) if using Roasted Salted Spanish peanuts add at the end of the process or if using cashews add when candy thermometer reaches 290 degrees.
4. Immediately add in baking soda, vanilla and butter. Stir until butter has melted. Note: Mixture will initially foam up.
5. Remove from heat and pour brittle in narrow (4 inch) lines or a U-shape design (with 4 inch sides) on the prepared baking pans. Immediately sprinkle with sea salt.
6. Using a fork, gently pull down any piles of peanuts in the brittle. Note: when edge of brittle is slightly firm, gently pull edges with a fork to thin out the brittle.
7. Carefully turn brittle over on pan and allow to cool to room temperature.
8. When cooled, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Wild turkeys in the woods in Rockford, Illinois and along the Salt Creek Trail in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Maple Glazed Mini-Pumpkin Doughnuts

With the bathroom remodeling project now behind me, the desire for rearranging rooms, shifting furniture, and reorganizing collections has reared its' ugly head. Not at all ugly for me mind you, just for a certain someone who doesn't always view these 'projects' of mine as fun and as exciting as I do. Mostly because one change leads to another to another, and more often than not they end up being far from just simple changes. To further add to someone's angst, I often make adjustments and changes to my 'preliminary' plan as what it looks like doesn't always match with what I thought it would. The process of doing and undoing may be energizing for me, however, it's a process of coming slightly, temporarily unglued for someone else. Since it is highly unlikely I will ever stop coming up with rearranging, shifting, and reorganizing ideas, I have learned the value of timing. Bribes are good things too.

As I was looking for and comparing baked pumpkin doughnut recipes, all I kept hearing in my head were the words from a childhood game, 'One potato, two potato, three potato..' Most of the ingredients listed in the recipes for pumpkin doughnuts were the same with the only significant difference being in their amounts. I wanted to make a doughnut that was both moist and dense. So I focused on the ratio of liquid to dry ingredients in each of the recipes. Some had one egg, some had two eggs, and some had three eggs (hence why the childhood song was resurrected from my memory). After a process of elimination, I settled on the recipe calling for two eggs. Having no basis of comparison, the Maple Glazed Pumpkin Doughnutss (a two egg version) were everything I wanted them to be and then some.

After I finished making the Maple Glazed Mini-Pumpkin Doughnuts, my first thought was they were almost too pretty to eat. My second though was, no, these doughnuts are the kind of 'too hard to resist' pretty. It is almost impossible to eat only just one of them (even for those who pride themselves on self-control). Not because of their size, but because of their flavor and texture. If you are someone who loves the flavor of pumpkin and spices as well as prefers a doughnut with a cake-like texture, you will be delirious after tasting this doughnut (almost the kind of delirious that if someone asked you rearrange, shift or reorganize somethings, you might not even be phased by the requests). Is there anyone who does not like cake? I prefer to live in the fantasy world of 'everyone loves cake', so please don't burst this bubble for me. I don't think I could comprehend someone not liking cake.

If there was another reason to hoard canned pumpkin (besides for making pumpkin pies, pumpkin squares and pumpkin bread), this doughnut would be that reason. But these doughnuts shouldn't have 'another' hoarding reason status, they are so insanely delicious they could be the 'only' reason. Eggs, dark brown sugar, buttermilk, granulated sugar, melted butter, spices, salt, baking powder, salt and canned pumpkin mixed together create a beautiful thick, delicious batter (I am all about predicting the outcome of a baked good based on the taste of the batter). Note: The inspiration recipe called for using both pumpkin spice and cinnamon. Rather than buy pumpkin spice, you can make your own. The recipe for making pumpkin spice is provided in the ingredients list below.)

Whether you use a stand mixer or hand mixer, the batter comes together quickly and easily. These are kind of doughnuts you could make on a Saturday or Sunday morning and not feel you have just lost several hours of your life to baking in the kitchen when you have a full day of errands, activities, and events planned.

Whether you use a pastry bag or a ziplock bag to pipe the batter into the lightly oiled doughnut mold won't really matter. Just don't use a spoon (it is just too tedious and this is supposed to be easy). In a preheated 350 degree oven the doughnuts bake for 13 to 15 minutes (my baking time was 14 minutes) or until the doughnuts spring back when pressed on lightly. This recipe made 18 mini-pumpkin doughnuts.

Once baked the doughnuts remain in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes before unmolded and placed on a cooling rack. They need to be cooled completely if icing them with confectionary sugar. Note: You can choose a cinnamon-sugar finishing option for these doughnuts.

Confectionary sugar, whole milk, maple syrup and cinnamon create a scrumptious glaze. The marzipan leaves are optional, but the sprinkles create the visual 'wow' factor to these doughnuts. India Tree is just one of the companies offering a wide variety of sprinkle shapes and colors (or if you are really ambitious you can make your own) which can make it hard to choose (which is why you will be making these doughnuts more than once).

The cooled doughnuts are dipped in the glaze and placed on rack to set. The glaze sets up quickly so be ready to add your sprinkles as you go (a lesson learned making them).

These are the kind of doughnuts everyone will think you bought at a bakery or the farmer's market or that you slaved hours over making them. They are the perfect start to a fall or winter morning (as well as a great mid-afternoon or late night snack). Not only are these doughnuts 'mini' size, they are also baked. Both factors which might lesson any guilt you feel over consuming them. Besides, there are more important things to feel guilty about. Have I told you how addictive these doughnuts are yet?

I had baked these doughnuts the morning the marble guy and plumber were here to do the installations of the counter, sink, faucet and toilet in my bathroom remodeling project. Installing the toilet wasn't part of their original plan (it was part of my plan), so it may have helped to have the fragrance of cinnamon on a cool autumn day hit them as they walked in the door (I waited for them to be in the house for a few minutes before asking if they could do me the favor of installing one more thing). The platter of doughnuts was waiting for them when they finished. If they were experiencing any angst over the change in plans for their morning, you wouldn't have been able to tell once they tasted the Maple Glazed Mini-Pumpkin Doughnuts. I am beginning to develop a theory about these doughnuts. Will have to test it again next weekend when I need some help moving furniture.

Recipe
Maple Glazed Mini-Pumpkin Doughnuts (slight adaptation to a recipe found on All Recipes)
Makes 18 mini-donuts

Ingredients
Doughnuts
2 cups all-purpose flour (recommend King Arthur)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon
2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice (you can make your own: 1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (recommend Maldon)
2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly

Maple Glaze
1 1/2 cups confectionary sugar, sifted
1/4 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of pure maple syrup (Grade A or Grade B)
At least 2 Tablespoons of whole milk (if too thick add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time) - I used 2 additional teaspoons

Directions
Doughnuts
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray mini-doughnut pan with oil.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, spices, and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
3. Whisk buttermilk and melted butter in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Using either a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine brown sugar, sugar, pumpkin, and egg. Mix on low speed until combined.
5. Alternating between the flour and buttermilk mixture, add each to pumpkin batter in 5 additions (beginning and ending with dry ingredients) until well combined.
6. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a round tube or a ziplock bag with a corner cut, pipe batter into the prepared doughnut pan (each mold will be slightly more than half-full).
7. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until they spring back to the touch (my baking time was 14 minutes).
8. Allow doughnuts to rest in pan 2-3 minutes before unmolding and cooling on a cooling rack.

Glaze
1. Whisk together the confectionary sugar, maple syrup, milk and cinnamon until mixture is smooth, creamy, good dipping consistency. If glaze is to thin, add more confectionary sugar. If too thick, add additional milk one teaspoon at a time.
2. Dip each doughnut into the glaze, returning to the wire cooling rack. Add sprinkles to glazed doughnuts before the glaze sets (dip 2 or 3, then sprinkle).
3. Allow glaze to fully set up (approximately 10-15 minutes). Transfer doughnuts to a platter and serve.

Chicken Liver Pate with Pickled Shallots

I have shared my love of reading here on blog before. What I have not shared is how I come to select the fiction and non-fiction books lining the bookshelves and sitting in stacks in various rooms in the house. Like most everyone I anxiously await books written by my favorite authors, read book reviews, and get recommendations from friends. But I also choose books (written by unfamiliar authors) with covers I find interesting. That old adage 'you can't judge a book by its' cover' isn't always true, because sometimes you really can. The method of selecting a book by its' cover and reading the book jacket has worked more often than not. Recently I came across A Boat, a Whale and a Walrus, a new cookbook written by Renee Erickson, a chef from Seattle, and someone who I was not familiar with (gasp). However, in the last month I have bought four new cookbooks (excessive even for me) and decided this was enough for awhile. But this was a book cover and title I was finding hard to resist. Without even skimming through the book or looking at the table of contents, it became the fifth cookbook purchased this month. After finally sitting down to read a few pages of the well written narratives and leafing through the beautiful photos, I thought 'this may be one of the best cookbooks I have bought all year'. Then I made her Chicken Liver Pate recipe. And let's just say it is going to a very long while before I make (or rather if I make) any of the other pate recipes I have made (and loved) over the years.

The discovery of this cookbook and chef is just one example of the incredible, almost 'higher power had a hand in' discoveries (and rediscoveries) made in the last couple of weeks. Every October for the past forty years, there has been an annual fall antique show here attracting dealers from across the country. It also attracts some serious and some not so serious collectors. Living away for the past several years had kept me from what had become an annual antique show tradition (no not for the past forty years, although I wish I had discovered this show forty years ago).

Generally when I am at a really good antique show I see nothing but the antiques on display in the booths. Brad Pitt, George Clooney, or Harrison Ford could be standing right in front of me and I wouldn't see them (I would only be wondering why the noise level around me was elevated). But something made me look up as I was walking down an aisle and standing almost in front of me was a friend I had not seen in a very, very, very long time, you might say, too long. In spite of time (and distance) we were both immediately thrilled to have rediscovered one another. After a short reconnection we made tentative plans to get together before each continuing the search for treasures (she is the more serious collector, one with a really great enviable eye).

Later on in the day I stopped to engage in conversation with a handsome, young antique dealer. After making a small purchase from his booth, I asked where he got his love and eye for antiques. He shared he grew up with them but had learned the most from two antique dealers from New Hampshire. Before I could say anything he asked if I wanted to meet them as they had a booth at the show. Well much to his surprise no introductions were necessary as I had known these two dealers for more than 25 years (but had not seen in a very, very long time). In less than two hours, my path crossed with three friends I had let life get in the way of staying connected with. What are the odds of this happening?

Finding a great antique pewter platter at the antique show paled in comparison to finding these friends. This turned out to be one of those great 'the stars were aligned' kind of days.

Putting the platter and cookbook to good use were my priorities once I got over the incredulousness of reconnecting with friends on the same day, in the same place (although I haven't really gotten over it yet). Whenever I buy a new cookbook I generally like to start with some of the simpler recipes. Because if the simple ones turn out to be amazing, then almost always the more complex ones will as well. By now you should have figured out my logic on most things follows its own path.

The Liver Pate with Pickled Shallots not only sounded delicious, but with ingredients like butter, port and currants, it was one of those irresistible recipes. As someone who happens to love a really good pate, I have been on a quest to find the 'perfect' one for years. My quest has now ended.

There are at least nine different kinds of port. This recipe calls for a tawny port or one with more aging in the barrel time before being bottled. As a result an aging process lasting anywhere from 3 to 40 years, a tawny port develops a dry nutty flavor with raisin overtones and causes the port to take on a more red-brown versus red-purple color. Real tawny ports are marked with its' age. It is not necessary to use the most expensive tawny port in this recipe, just one you would also love drinking.

In almost every pickled onion or pickled shallot recipe I have come across, the vinegar, sugar and salt are heated before the sliced vegetables are added. But not this one.

Thinly sliced shallots need to marinate in champagne vinegar, some sugar and some salt for at least two hours. The result is a crisp, flavorful pickled shallot. However, continuing to marinate over night in the refrigerator further developed the flavor of the shallots. The pickled shallots will last in the refrigerator up to two months in a sealed, covered jar. They won't last more than a couple of weeks here.

Once the chicken livers, finely diced onions, finely diced garlic, salt and port are cooked in a large sauté pan, they need to cool slightly. The recommended cool down time was 5 minutes, but I waited about 10 minutes before transferring the mixture to the food processor. After briefly pulsing the liver/onion/garlic mixture, the remaining ingredients were added. In order to get the mixture as smooth and creamy as possible process for at least two minutes. To add to its' creaminess the mixture is pushed through a fine mesh strainer. Now here is where I wasn't either patient or strong enough. After pushing the half of the processed mixture through the strainer, I decided (rationalized) a little bit of texture to the pate would be a good thing. So I mixed what was left in the strainer with what had been strained.

Lining a 4x6 or 4x8 inch pan with plastic wrap, the mixture is poured in, covered and allowed to chill overnight in the refrigerator. This pate sets up beautifully. 

Toast or grill a hearty bread or baguette brushed lightly with extra-virgin olive oil to go with the pate. 

And thick slices arranged on a plate with the pickled onions, grilled bread or baguettes, and some cornichons make for either a perfect starter to a meal or the perfect accompaniment for cocktails only. The creamy texture of the pate, the pickled onions, and grilled bread is a combination hard to resist, even for those who claim not to be big fans of pate (this pate will make converts of them, seriously it will). Hahn Vineyard's Meritage or Pinot Noir would pair perfectly with this pate, but serve whatever is your favorite red. 

Recipe
Chicken Liver Pate with Pickled Shallots (inspired by Renee Erickson's Boat House Chicken Liver Pate recipe shared in her recently release cookbook A Boat, a Whale and a Walrus)

Ingredients
Pickled Shallots
1 pound shallots, peeled and cut into circular, slightly less than 1/4 inch, slices 
2 cups champagne vinegar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
Pate
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pound chicken livers
3 Tablespoons of a tawny Port (one at least 10 years old)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup dried currants
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 Tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
Sea salt for finishing (recommend Maldon)
Grilled sourdough bread or baguette toasts
Cornichons, optional 

Directions
Pickled Shallots
1. Toss the sliced shallots with kosher salt and sugar in a small bowl. Add champagne vinegar and stir. Allow the mixture to marinate for two hours (stirring occasionally) before serving. Note: Would recommend allowing the marinate overnight in the refrigerator (after first marinating at room temperature for two hours).

Pate
1. Melt one stick of salted butter in a large sauté pan. Add finely chopped onions and garlic (sauté for 3 minutes stirring often).
2. Add livers, port and salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes (stirring often) or until the livers have cooked evenly and the livers are no longer bleeding (my cook time was 8 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes.
3. Transfer liver/onion/garlic mixture to a food processor. Pulse briefly to break up the livers before adding additional ingredients.
4. Add remaining stick of butter, currants, cream, dry mustard, freshly grated nutmeg, and Aleppo pepper. Process for at least 2 minutes or until the mixture is completely smooth.
5. Push mixture through a fine mesh strainer set over a large bowl, using a rubber spatula to press mixture through. Note: I strained half of the mixture, then combined the strained mixture with what was left in the strainer. 
6. Line a 4x6 inch or 4x8 inch pan with plastic wrap. Pour mixture in pan, gently knock pan on counter to release air bubbles, smooth top with an off set spatula, and cover with plastic wrap. Chill overnight.
7. Unmold pate onto a cutting board. Using a knife that has been run under hot water, cut thick slices of the pate and serve. Sprinkle each slice with (Maldon) sea salt .
8. Serve with toasted or grilled bread or baguettes.

Harbor views in New Bedford, Massachusetts and Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard (September 2014).