Germany shares borders with seven countries, including France, Poland, and Denmark. Perhaps because of this central geography, German cuisine is widely varied, with qualities both delicate and hearty. Perhaps the most famous celebration of German cuisine is the annual folk festival Oktoberfest. Though the official fest is held in Munich, people all around the world throw similarly-themed parties around this time. If you’re having an Oktoberfest party – or just looking to branch out your cultural palate – here are a few ideas on traditional German dishes to cook, all with a little pâté twist!

Brâté & Bröchen
For a hassle-free homage to the classic German combo, enjoy a dollop of Sage and Pork Mousse pâté on dense, crispy white buns. Adorn with capers and mustard for some extra kick. And don’t forget to serve with a pint of beer: here are our favorite brews to pair with pâté.

A Side of Käsespätzle
Although spaghettieis is a common after-dinner treat, German cuisine favors buttery, cheesy noodles in traditional dishes. Käsespätzle – likely the precursor to modern day mac and cheese – makes an excellent base for savory flavors. Try between bites of thinly sliced Grand Marnier pâté. 

Pâtéto Salad
German Kartoffelsalat is the mother of all potato salads, and is made all the more authentic with Wild Forest Mushroom pâté. For centuries, the German Black Forest has been a fruitful site for mushroom harvesting, so the flavors of this pâté blend well with tradition.

Pâté Dumplings
If you’re up for indulging your inner chef, try making Maultaschen. Essentially, these are little savory raviolis filled with bacon, beef, veggies, or as we suggest, Truffle Mousse pâte. The trick here will be creating the dough from scratch, but one bite of the hearty, delicious finished product will be worth it!

Döner Kebab
Originally created by Turkish immigrants in the 1970s, this stuffed pita dish has evolved into a modern German lunchtime staple. The real thing is quite delectable, but you likely don’t have a rotisserie set up in your house. So, substitute lamb meat for thin cuts of Chicken & Veal pâté, quickly pan-fried and then served in a pita with tzatziki, cucumber, and other Mediterranean favorites.

If you incorporate pâté into your own personal Oktoberfest, we’d love to see! Tag us on social media @alexian_pate.

As communities strengthen and younger generations come of age, it’s becoming clear that sustainable, eco-conscious practices are the way of the future. Even in the grocery aisle, modern Americans are increasingly interested in learning more about where their food comes from, often preferring wholesome, natural, and local ingredients. For some, shopping organic is enough. But a bolder set of ambitious, resourceful people takes it even further. Enter: urban farming.

In the United States alone, over 29,000 people consider themselves urban farmers. Some farm just to provide for their families, while others expand into businesses serving their communities or even operating at a national level. Recent research indicates that global urban farming will constitute a $281 billion-dollar market by the year 2030. It’s clear that this is no passing fad, but a movement indicative of greater lifestyle changes around the world.

So, what exactly is urban farming? It’s exactly what the name suggests: the practice of cultivating food in urban areas. It’s a pretty general term, applicable to windowsill herb gardens and ambitious livestock ventures. Whether you dream of raising chickens in suburbia or you’re just trying to keep your basil plant alive, everyone has to start somewhere. Whatever your plans, here are a few tips on having your very own urban garden. 

Start Small
Before you run to the hardware store for fencing supplies and pawpaw seeds, take stock in your current abilities and interests. What do you like to eat? What do you want to grow? Do you have a backyard, or a bright and sunny New York City rooftop? There are entry-level options for everyone, and there’s no shame in working with terra cotta pots before investing in a garden rake.

Get Curious
As with any new hobby or interest, there’s always something new to learn. Gardening magazines are an excellent resource, as are books on the local flora and fauna that flourish in your own community. Many cities have communal urban farms with rental plots and volunteer needs, or locally-based classes and workshops. Starting your own garden in connection with others is a great way to learn, grow, and of course, socialize! 

Know Your Limits
The urban farmer aesthetic can be quite alluring, but it can be easy to tip over from #cottagecore to #cottagecan’t. Before you rush out and buy live chicks from Facebook Marketplace (we know, they’re sooo cute!) make sure you have the means to set up a proper habitat. Or, play with some rental landscaping goats as a way to test your animal-handling skills. Though your green thumb may be vivid, handling livestock is a whole other ball game!

Enjoy Your Harvest
If by the end of the season you’re too tired to cook with your own produce, that may be a sign you’ve been working too hard. Pace yourself so that you can continually enjoy your harvest, try exciting new recipes, and share your work with loved ones! Pro tip: remember to research the right materials you’ll need to store excess produce away for the off-season. You may surprise yourself with your bounty!

Good luck out there, current and aspiring urban farmers. You ARE the future! And if you happen to enjoy your home-grown wonders with Alexian pâté, we’d love to see! Tag us on social media (and always share your cute goat pics!) at @alexian_pate.

Labor Day weekend has now come and gone, and for many of us it also marked the unofficial end of summer. We soaked up every bit of the season: grilling out, hitting the beach, and wearing white – possibly for the last time before spring of next year. 

Though we support holding on to summer fun and fashion for as long as possible, it’s still nice to come together for a great big picnic in the slightly-cooler days of early fall. We’ve curated some pâté picnic recipes for those dining in the great outdoors this September!

Bistro Burgers
Burgers are the all-American centerpiece of any great cookout! Take flippin’ to the next level with caramelized onions, cornichons, and a rich slice of Truffle Mousse Pâté.

Grilled Veggie Skewers
For a colorful bite of summertime freshness, grill vegetables until nice lines of charring appear, then chop and skewer with cubes of Tomato Basil Vegan Pâté in between for a cool and creamy delight.

Pasta Salad
We’ve got not one but two versions of this iconic summertime side dish! The lesson here is, whatever your go-to pasta salad recipe is, it can be improved with a bit of pâté magic.

Pâté Dip
Chips and salsa abound at the grillside. Why not pack in a bit of extra protein and flavor with a pâté dip instead? This one’s easy: just mash a bit of mousse with a fork until it reaches a dippable consistency. Yum!

Potato Salad
Summer’s not over until you’ve enjoyed a generous portion of potato salad! We love ours with Dijon mustard, chives, a bit of dill, and a bit of Sage and Pork Mousse for super-savory flavor. 

We’d love to see how you end up incorporating pâté into your cookout menus! Tag us on social media at @alexian_pate, and remember, summer doesn’t officially end until September 22nd. There’s time yet for potato salad!

Justine Doiron
@justine_snacks
For fans of veggies, herbs, and pizza toast. Whatever Doiron makes, she serves it with a side of realness – many of her recipes are accompanied by frank narration about what it’s like to be a chef in the limelight. And for those who prefer to cook the old-school way, she’s coming out with a cookbook in just a few months!

Alexis Nikole Nelson
@alexisnikole
Once you watch Nelson’s videos, your backyard will never seem the same. Nelson focuses on foraging in both rural and urban landscapes, and will blow your mind with her knowledge on the subject. Plus, her enthusiasm is so contagious that you may begin to think, “yeah, maybe I should eat a pinecone!”

Halle Burns
@ballehurns 
If you get stressed out in the kitchen, Burns is for you. Her calm demeanor and simple tips make even high-level meals seem achievable, and many of her videos have a hypnotic, ASMR-like quality. She’s also big on conservation, as evidenced by her video on using every part of the watermelon.

Katie Zukhovich 
@babytamago
If you want a brief on the trendiest dishes, perfect for aesthetic dinner parties and impressing your in-laws, look no further than Zukhovich. Her presentation style is chef-meets-bestie (chefstie?), and she often shares gossipy tidbits to enjoy with your meal.

Fayette Nyehn
@fayette_nyehn
Riding the meal prep train, or looking for a ticket? Nyehn shows you how to run your week smoothly, with delicious food to boot. She eschews narration in favor of simple captions, and her prep videos are straightforward and easy to follow along while you cook.

Although none of these creators have featured Alexian Pâté yet, (no sponsorship here; we’re just big fans ????) we remain inspired by all of their recipes. Let us know on social media @alexian_pate if you try out any of these creators’ dishes – especially if you add pâté! Happy scrolling!

Summer days are endless fun, but all that action in the heat can tire us out quickly. To get the most out of the season, it’s important to start your days with a robust morning meal. Not to mention, there’s not much better in life than a slow, indulgent breakfast while you’re on vacation. By incorporating pâté into your breakfast spread, you get the best of both worlds: heartiness and luxury. Here’s our recommendation for the perfect pâté breakfast:

Grains
Don’t skimp on carbs in the morning! Incorporating bread, oats, or other grains into your first meal will give you much-needed energy for the rest of your day. We recommend toasted rye bread, fresh sourdough, or apple and cinnamon oatmeal. All with extra butter, of course! 

Proteins
Once you’ve selected your bready base, it’s time for something hearty and flavorful. No one wants to do too much kitchen work in the morning, so pâté is an excellent option. Just slice, spread, and enjoy! Chicken Liver Mousse pairs wonderfully with croissants, and Vegetable Pâté on crackers works wonders. If you do feel like turning on a burner, try Wild Forest Mushroom Pâté crumbles in your scrambled eggs. Only problem is, you’ll never want your eggs any other way.

Vitamins
Prepare for a long day with a healthy serving of fruit and veggies! If you’re having trouble deciding in the produce aisle, just aim for three different colors. Strawberries, bananas, and avocado. Or, cherry tomatoes, clementines, and blueberries. The world is your rainbow!

Refreshments
We know it sounds crazy, but we recommend beginning your day with three beverages at minimum: water for morning hydration, coffee or tea for a caffeine kick, and fruit juice for a moment of sweetness.

Are you enjoying pâté in the morning? Show us your picture-perfect breakfast spread by tagging us on social media @alexian_pate!

It’s hot out there, so we’ll cut to the chase. Here are our favorite pâté pairings for the height of summer. You know, take-a-cold-shower, blast-the-AC, ice-cream-every-day type of weather. These ideas – some new, some from our recipe archives – will make refreshing additions to your seasonal menus. Stay cool out there!

Appetizers
In many ways, pâté is the perfect summer appetizer. It keeps fresh in the refrigerator, ready to serve and enjoy when you don’t have the energy for much else. A water cracker with a thin slice of fontina cheese, tomato, and Vegetable Pâté is sure to refresh, while a snack of Tomato Basil Pâté and cherry tomatoes can be whipped up in a jiffy. If you’re up to a bit more prep work, cabbage and pâté rolls are absolutely to die for.

Entrées
Revenge is a dish best served cold. And so is this delicious pâté pasta salad recipe, featuring creamy and robust Eggplant and Goat Cheese pâté. A fresh veggie sandwich is also a great and filling option for busy summer days. To experience true summertime decadence, try grilled chicken skewers with alternating cubes of Chicken Ballotine, grilled watermelon, and peppers. The Ballotine’s notes of pistachio, apricot, and pineapple will bring a tropical flair to wherever you dine.

Desserts
For a perfect blend of sweet and savory, try some pâté and peaches tartine or pair your pâté with cherries and cognac. The more adventurous chefs out there can try maple nut mushroom bites: spread some Earthy Mushroom vegan pâté on a pastry cracker, then top with maple candy crumbles and a pecan for extra crunch. 

Drinks
Pâte goes well with many kinds of beer, cocktails, and wine, both red and white. But our favorite sip and snack of the summer? Gotta be Lambrusco (a Spanish sparkling red wine) and Sage and Pork Mousse with Vermouth. 

We hope these refreshing ideas help get you through the dog days of summer and beyond! And remember, if you make a cool treat with pâté, remember to post a photo and tag @alexian_pate on social media!

If your Tik Tok algorithm has pegged you as a food lover, it’s likely you’ve already heard of girl dinner. If you’re not a big scroller – don’t worry, we’ll catch you up. “Girl dinner” is a term coined by Tik Tokker Olivia Maher. It describes the phenomenon of young women creating a meal out of, essentially, whatever’s around. Often, these dinners take the shape of makeshift charcuterie boards, complete with fruit, crackers, greens, and other munchies. Bread and cheese are a must, giving girl dinner a distinctly English peasant quality. Maher anticipated this association, and composed an original medieval-sounding jingle to accompany the nearly three-thousand videos made about this trend.

Girl dinner videos tend to accrue at least a thousand likes each, and total views are nearing several million. While the trend has certainly struck a chord with Gen Z, it has also been criticized for encouraging unbalanced meals. Nutritionist Kathrine Kofoed advised that people can enjoy their girl dinner and a well-rounded plate by focusing on the five senses of taste – sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. If your plate includes something serving each of these senses, you’re likely to strike upon a diverse array of vitamins and nutrients. 

Interested in trying out girl dinner for yourself, but having a hard time finding the perfect balance? Adding Alexian pâté can bring plenty of flavor and nutritional value to your plate. Black Peppercorn Mousse or Pâté de Campagne serve as a great “main” in a course of “minis,” and having a few slices on hand can help you indulge in girl dinner at whim. If you prefer girl dinners to be lighter and more vegetable- based, Tomato Basil Vegan Pâté will add a pop of color to your dish, while a slice of Vegetable Pate brings a delightful blend of savory sweetness to any palate. 

 Serving your own girl dinner soon? Make sure to add some pâté to your plate, and send a video of the final result to @alexian_pate on Instagram or Tik Tok!

Remember those perfect summer days in childhood? You’d spend all afternoon at the pool, meander to a pizza party and movie night. Well, Alexian Pâté is here to say that those days don’t need to end in adulthood! Whether you’re craving some easy homemade pizza, or you’re up to the challenge of doing it all from scratch, here’s how to make delicious – and slightly elevated – pizza. During the height of tomato season, no less!

Make the Dough

Easy mode: pick up some pre-made dough from your local co-op.

The challenge: grab your chef’s hat and trust the recipe! Begin with flour, oil, water, salt, and yeast, then add garlic, dried basil, or oregano as desired. Mix until the dough is bouncy and consistent, then whip out a rolling pin or practice your twirl! 

Make the Sauce

Easy mode: just use a jar of your favorite store-bought red sauce.

The challenge: crush some tomatoes with caramelized onion, garlic, red pepper, and basil strips, then heat and season accordingly.

Select Your Cheese

Easy mode: grate a few cheese blocks to achieve your personal cheese mix. You can’t go wrong with mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, gouda, ricotta, gruyère, or fontina.

The challenge: it’s hard to overcomplicate cheese. If you’ve got a lot of time on your hands, maybe… make your own? 

Add Toppings

Easy mode: slice up some mushrooms and call it a day.

The challenge: indulge your inner gourmand! Get creative with toppings such as briny olives, sun dried tomatoes, anchovies, and yellow peppers. Then, crumble your favorite pâté as a delightful alternative to sausages or pepperoni. Our favorite options for pizza are Wild Forest Mushroom, and Pheasant Rosemary.

When your perfect pie is assembled, bake at 425F for at least 15 minutes, adding more time as needed. Save some pâté crumbles as a post-bake topping for optimal juiciness in every bite.

Picture this: it’s a beautiful summer day, and you’ve gathered all of your closest friends for a relaxing afternoon in the great outdoors. Everyone’s wearing their cottagecore finest and settling into a bohemian array of gingham blankets. Suddenly, an outcry: someone forgot the snacks!!!

This picnic season, don’t be caught unprepared. Here’s Alexian’s comprehensive packing list on everything you’ll need to throw the perfect photo-op picnic party!

Accoutrements

At minimum, you’ll need something to sit on, something to eat from, and something to carry all of the goods. We recommend a thrifted top-sheet, a miniature cutting board, and a wicker basket. If you’re a picnic fiend, a specialty picnic backpack may be a worthwhile investment. And don’t forget utensils and cups!

Activities

While lying around in the sun is 100% an option, be sure to have some other props on deck. Say, a deck of cards! A book, journal, or portable paint set are also nice to have on hand. Finally, bring a small speaker so that you have full control over the vibes in your soundscape.

Appetizers

While you could just pack sandwiches, there’s something so luxurious about snacking away the afternoon. Apples, grapes, berries, brie, and baguettes are classic picks. And to fully satisfy your appetite, don’t forget to bring some Alexian pâté! Our most refreshing pâté picks for hot days are Chicken & Veal, Duck Liver and Pork Mousse with Cognac, and Earthy Mushroom. Pair with a cool Champagne or sparkling red Lambrusco, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect day.

Inspired to pack up for a picnic? Snap a photo and tag us on social media @alexian_pate! 

Craving something salty and savory? Nothing hits the spot quite like a plate full of nachos. Nachos can be as simple as chips, beans, and melted cheese, but we prefer the more “loaded” variety. Here’s how to elevate your next serving of nachos with delicious toppings, creative garnishes, and of course, a bit of Alexian pâté magic.

Not-So-Basics

Set yourself up for nacho success by beginning with great base ingredients. Thicker corn tortilla chips will hold toppings better, and make sure to grate your own cheese for optimal meltiness. We recommend a combo of Monterey Jack, colby, and pepper jack.

Tons of Toppings

Proportions are totally subjective, but here’s our personal recipe for success (measurements are per 1lb bag chips):

• 1 ripe tomato, diced
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
• ½ can of sweet corn kernels
• ½ can sliced black olives
• ½ red pepper, chargrilled and thickly sliced
• A dollop of quick pickled red onions

Pick Your Proteins

Include a can of pinto beans in your toppings mix, and set aside warm refried beans as a dip. Now’s the best part: select your favorite coarse-cut pâté and crumble it by hand. Pheasant & Rosemary, Wild Forest Mushroom, and Pâté de Campagne will all bring a rich and savory profile to the dish.

The Art of the Bake

Baking nachos is an art of its own. Our advice? Foil line the pan, preheat to 350°F, and take your time. To preserve flavors and textures in every bite, bake in layers. Let the first layer of chips and cheese bake for five minutes. Then, add the juicier ingredients like corn, tomatoes, and beans, which can take a bit of heat. After those are sizzling, finish off the dish with the remaining toppings and pâté, allowing them just enough time to warm up. As you go, add more cheese and chips to your heart’s delight!

Dinner is Served

Present your latest work of culinary art with a colorful array of dips and garnishes. No one will complain about fresh cilantro, lime slices, mole salsa, sour cream, and homemade guac. For next level-decadence, include a side of spreadable mousse pâté. Forget seconds – our Black Peppercorn or Truffle flavors will have your guests going back for thirds!

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the pop album of the season is blaring in homes across the nation. All that’s left is an incredible kick-off party declaring summer to be in full swing. Who better to lead the charge than you? Assuming you’re now fully inspired to go host-mode, here are a few tips on how to throw a memorable fest.

Plan Ahead

It’s always exciting to play hostess, but make sure you don’t get carried away! Set an intentional number for your guest list, ensuring an energetic but roomy crowd – and make sure to account for plus ones. Then, begin building the hype by mailing out handmade invitations. Calligraphy, washi tape, and vintage stamps are all great options to set a festive and elegant tone!

Set the Vibe

Begin collecting decorations at least a week before your party. There are many creative ways to spruce up your place without breaking the bank! Tealight candles in mason jars will add a bohemian look to your space, while party-store streamers have a classic appeal. If you’re hosting outside, consider stocking up on a few thrifted sheets to use as picnic blankets and tablecloths. And don’t forget to make a playlist with a mix of crowd-pleasers and your own favorite hits!

Good Food, Good Mood!

To keep your guests happy and your party going all night long, be sure to provide an array of tasty snacks. Charcuterie boards are all the rage right now, and pâté flights are the next big trend. Planning on serving dinner at the shindig? Check out these articles with delicious summer recipes featuring pâté:

• Summer Dinner Ideas for the Whole Family
• Easy Summer Meals

First, let’s settle a matter of debate: while similar in appearance, open-faced sandwiches are not breakfast toasts. As the name would suggest, breakfast toasts are usually composed of breakfast foods. Think eggs, avocado, and bacon. Likewise, tartines are their own dish too, commonly featuring a simple combo of bread and preserves. 

When we say “open-faced sandwich” we’re talking about a meal in a league of its own. Substantial, savory, and packed with delicious, elevated ingredients you won’t find on just any old sandwich – like pâté! Of course, defining the ideal sandwich is subjective, but if you follow these five easy steps, we guarantee you’ll get pretty darn close to your personal “perfect”. 

1. Get Bready: Sourdough, pumpernickel, rye… whatever you do, don’t skimp on the bread. Select a slice of your favorite loaf, then lightly butter it before toasting. You don’t want it too crunchy – just warmed and a little crispy to the bite.
2. Pick Your Base: A sandwich is usually identified by its main protein, and open-faced pâté sandwiches are no exception. For a heartier build, select a coarse-cut pâté. If you prefer smoother textures, a mousse is for you. It’s hard to go wrong with your choice of pâté, but for sandwiches we especially recommend Black Peppercorn, Wild Forest Mushroom, Grand Marnier, and Pheasant Rosemary. 
3. It’s Easy Being Green: This one’s simple. For extra texture and vitamins, add a layer of greens – leafy or otherwise! Lettuce, spinach, or kale will provide full “sammie” coverage, while cucumbers and cornichons add a bit of crunch. 
4. Don’t Forget The Cheese: All meals can be categorized two ways: those with cheese, and those without. At Alexian, we prefer the first option. Brie is a neutral yet decadent addition to any sandwich, while aged sharp cheddars pair well with certain meats. Pro tip: taste test your recipe by nibbling a bit of your cheese and meat together. As the two most flavorful ingredients, it’s important to get their proportions right!
5. An Element of Surprise: It wouldn’t be a fancy sandwich without a little something extra on top! Pomegranate seeds, tangerine wedges, or apple slices will add a zip of sweetness and ensure that no two bites in your perfect sandwich are the same!

And remember – don’t gate-keep good food! If you make a perfect open-faced pâté sandwich, remember to share it with us on social media at @alexian_pate.