Elegant and delicious, duck liver mousse toast makes for a perfect pre-dinner bite— especially during the holidays when you want to impress your guests. Best of all? It’s an incredibly simple appetizer to whip up with few ingredients and easy preparation.
From the ingredients to the instructions, here’s everything you need to know about crafting this scrumptious snack.
Ingredients for 1 Serving:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 sprigs thyme plus ½ tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 ½ ounces Duck Liver with Pork Mousse and Cognac
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 slice of toasted bread
Instructions:
Heat butter and thyme sprigs in a small skillet over medium heat, swirling occasionally until butter is melted and starting to brown. This should take around 2–3 minutes.
Season pâté with salt and pepper.
Increase heat to medium-high. Quickly heat the pâté, stirring and basting constantly, until warm and crispy on both sides. This should take around 30–45 seconds.
Transfer pâté to toast, drizzle with some butter from the skillet.
Scatter thyme leaves over.
From mouthwatering puff bites to savory cheese delights, let’s toast to our favorite Oktoberfest appetizers that are quick, easy, and— most importantly— delicious. Prost!
Baked Fontina
You can never go wrong with a large, melty skillet full of gooey cheese— especially when you add in delicious pâté.
Layer cubed fontina cheese and Black Peppercorn Mousse in a cast iron skillet or baking dish, top with sliced garlic, thyme leaves, and olive oil. Broil until it’s melted and bubbly enough to scoop up. Serve with toasty, flaky bread, or crackers and tortilla chips.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Hearty stuffed mushrooms are always a treat, but when beer is involved they become a requirement.
Clean and chop off the stems of however many large mushrooms you see fit. Sautee stems and green onions and combine with herby breadcrumbs, Campagne pâté, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Fill the mushroom caps and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F. Garnish with parsley to serve.
Mini Grilled Cheeses
Elevate your everyday grilled cheese by introducing decadent ingredients. Simply make 4-5 full-size sandwiches, slice into quarters, and arrange on a plate. Here are a few mouth-watering suggestions.
Wontons
Wonton wrappers are a staple in our kitchen. They can be used to make a quick cup— by pressing them into a cupcake pan and baking— or to make delicious dumplings.
To make a simply satisfying wonton for your party, spoon small amounts of our Truffle Mousse into wonton wrappers. Bake or fry until golden brown, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce— i.e. soy sauce, sesame oil, or spicy mayo.
Puff Pastry Bites
Gently wrap thin slices of any of our pâtés (though a couple of our favorites for this recipe are Chicken & Veal and Wild Forest Mushroom) in puff pastry and cook until light golden brown.
You can also use crescent roll dough in place of puff pastry to save a little time. Feel free to experiment with your own add-ins – like your favorite smoked cheese or veggie – for added flavor.
Serve with a dijon or whole grain mustard dipping sauce, or on their own.
Beef Kaldereta: The Filipino Pâté Stew of Your Dreams:
An iconic dish in the Philippines, Beef Kalderata is a savory beef stew cooked with creamy tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and liver spread (in our case, pâté). Commonly served on holidays and special occasions, this spicy mainstay is flavorful and tender, offering melt-in-your-mouth meat and soul-satisfying comfort that’s sure to impress.
Read on below for the easy recipe.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
That said, there’s one hearty sandwich in particular we think might just be the best thing since sliced bread: the Comté et pâté baguette sandwich.
An indulgent beauty, the Comté et pâté baguette sandwich incorporates all of our favorite ingredients: pâté, cheese, and crunchy accessories. It’s a decadently fresh yet filling dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anything in between.
The picnic-ready sandwich is made up of simple components and is even simpler to put together. Essentially, the only ingredients needed are:
Once you’ve gathered all of the above, spread the Truffle Mousse over the bottom slice of the baguette. Layer the cornichons and radish over it, and then add the Comté on top. Spread the whole grain mustard on the top slice of the baguette.
Before closing the sandwich, make sure everything is evenly spaced— that is unless you like sandwiches that send juices running down your elbows.
Once the sandwich is ready to go, pour yourself a nice glass of wine or bubbly (we suggest: Pinot Noir or Prosecco) and enjoy!
10 People Share their Summertime Pâté Cooking Plans
Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means: margaritas, pool time, and pâté. Erm, OK, so pâté isn’t technically a “summer thing,” but that doesn’t mean it can’t be. In fact, we sought out to hear from several pâté enthusiasts on how they incorporate the French classic into their summertime dishes— and as it turns out, they had a lot to say.
Read on as 10 people reveal their favorite go-to summertime recipes when it comes to pâté.
“As soon as summer hits, I plan on creating one of my favorite recipes: pâté-stuffed mushrooms. I typically use Grand Marnier pâté, but the recipe works with just about any variety. It’s perfect as a light appetizer for a garden party.”— Aly C., 28
“Summertime calls for a pâté Caprese sandwich. First, I cut open the roll, slice the tomatoes, and spread pâté, to taste, on the underside of the top half of the roll. Then, I drizzle the dish with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Add basil and tomato to the bottom half of the roll and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with fresh mozzarella and enjoy.” — David F., 33
“A light dish I love making once the weather warms up is tomato pasta salad. I typically incorporate 1 slice of Alexian Pâté de Campagne into the mix and top it off with some Parmesan cheese. So good!” — Rachel B., 31
“I’m all about enjoying a simple crostini by the pool. To make one, I place cheese and pâté on the bread and top with a cherry tomato slice. It’s a delicious snack I never get tired of!”— Barbara S., 25
“I like to whip up a scrumptious omelette on summer weekends for me and my partner. And sometimes, if I’m feeling particularly adventurous, I incorporate coarse pâtés, diced and cubed, into the mix. My go-to is chicken and veal pâté as it pairs well with cheese, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.”— Peter J., 30
“As a big fan of savory crepes, a go-to summer staple of mine is Truffle Mousse with shredded chicken, asparagus, and roasted tomatoes. It’s honestly heaven-sent and way, WAY better than any banana-Nutella combo.”— Amy S, 26
“I like to get creative with my summer salads, and often toss Chicken Ballotine on top of my bed of greens. It’s a unique addition that instantly upgrades my meal.”— Laura A, 35
“I like to use Chicken Ballotine pâté as a base for my lunch wraps during the summer. After I cut it into bite-sized chunks, I mix it up with slices of pineapple, avocado, leafy greens, fresh bell peppers, and a light vinaigrette. The result is a tropical and fresh flavor that makes me feel like I’m lounging somewhere in the Caribbean— and not sitting at home in New Jersey.”— Jon D, 37
“For dinner on cool summer nights, I like to make pasta with Alexian Black Peppercorn Mousse for the whole family. The mousse adds a melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture to the pasta that’s better than anything I’ve ever ordered at a 5-star restaurant. “— Leslie T., 44
“During BBQ season, I’m a big fan of grilling pâté-topped bistro burgers. My usual go-to’s are Alexian Truffle Mousse or Black Peppercorn with a layer of melted cheese, lettuce, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms. It’s perfect for a summer cookout or anytime you want a special occasion burger from the comfort of your own home.”— Dan F., 30
The Ultimate Guide to Your Next Pâté Garden Party
Everyone loves a garden party. And while spring weather is notoriously a little temperamental, it’s worth braving for an alfresco afternoon among loved ones
After what has felt like the longest winter, like, ever, of being cooped up inside, nothing feels more satisfying (and fun!) than soaking in the long-awaited sun. Think: delicious drinks, savory seasonal food, and pâté. Lots and lots of pâté.
Here, we highlight the ultimate guide to your next pâté garden party.
Dip is Essential
Make room for the life of the party: dips. We suggest making a dip for tortilla or pita chips by lightly mashing a vegetable or vegan pâté with a fork. Featuring a colorful three-layer composition of spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot mousses, our Vegetable pâté is a perfect choice for this appetizer. Warning: will be gone in 10 seconds flat.
Get Seasonal with Fruits
It’s no surprise that spring equates to gardening, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits. In the case of a garden party, we suggest serving pâté slices with fruit. Namely, brandied cherries and/or sour cherries. Sprinkle them in with some extra Cognac or Brandy and… Voila!
Become One with the Grill
Grilling recipes are perfect for a garden party because, well, you don’t have to cook anything inside (especially important during these times). If you’re grilling steak, spread Truffle Mousse over the top of the meat once it has come right off of the grill for a European twist to an American classic.
More of a plant-based person? Don’t panic: Grill a mix of summer or spring vegetables, cut into long slices, then spread a thin layer of our vegan Tomato-Basil pâté on top while they are still warm. Yum!
Indulge in Libations
Really looking to make your garden party the talk of the town? One word: wine. And lots of it.
When it comes to white wine, Chardonnay pairs beautifully with Sage & Pork Mousse and Truffle Mousse, while Riesling is a lovely accompaniment to Chicken Liver Mousse and Mushroom Artichoke.
As for reds, we suggest a glass of Pinot Noir with our Forest Mushroom or Pheasant Rosemary for a beautiful-yet-boozing pairing. More of a Merlot or Rosé enthusiast? Then opt for our Grand Marnier variety, boasting hearty flavors of cognac and fresh orange.
Cheers!
Pâté: The Perfect Appetizer for Valentine’s Day
It’s no secret that the key to anyone’s heart is food— and this is especially true on Valentine’s Day.
For some couples (or anything in-between), this means going out to a fancy restaurant and ordering a lavish five-course dinner. However, for others, a quiet night in with creative cocktails, delicious snacks, and a good Netflix binge is what it’s all about.
If the latter is more your speed, consider these four savory pâté-tizers that will show off your cooking skills this Valentine’s Day.
Brie and Fig Crostini
Not only is our Brie and Fig Crostini recipe creamy, smooth and delicate in flavor, it’s also incredibly simple. Slice brie and warm in a pan for a few seconds until just before it melts. Top crostini with brie slices. Then, add a layer of Duck Rillette, which has been brought to room temperature. Top with freshly sliced figs or fig jam. Voila!
Cilantro Tomato Bruschetta
Dice tomatoes and cilantro together and mix with salt and pepper. Then, dice up your choice of any of our coarse cut pâtés (we recommend our Herb de Provence or our Wild Forest Mushroom). Mix the pâté with the tomato mixture, top the bread to serve, and watch your partner swoon over their gourmet appetizer.
French Picnic Spread
If you’re looking to make a romantic statement to a new beau — without looking like a 5-stage clinger — our French Picnic Spread is just the thing.
For this, you will absolutely need: pâté (of your choosing); fresh, crusty bread; cornichons; good cheese; cured meat; and, naturally, some wine. Feel free to incorporate some fresh fruit and a little honey for the cheese, too. Oh, and pro tip: Dress the table with a gingham cloth for a final touch!
3-Ingredient Cracker Bites
Feeling extra low-key this Valentine’s Day? Don’t fret: Our 3-Ingredient Cracker Bites recipes are here to help.
Our Black Peppercorn Mousse goes perfectly with caramelized onions and a mild smoked gouda, while smoked cheddar complements the bold flavors of our classic Chicken Liver Mousse. Another great combination is any of our vegan or vegetable varieties paired with creamy hummus and crunchy cucumbers. Yum!
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Alexian Pâté
You may have singled out pâté as everything you need to know about Alexian, but the truth is there’s much more to us than meets the eye (or shall we say, plate). Here, we highlight five tidbits of trivia to ponder as you munch away at (hopefully our) pâté!
We’re a Women-Owned Business
Women are behind many successful and growing companies— and Alexian Pâté is one of them.
We are certified as a Women Owned Business, by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and we will be celebrating our 39th anniversary this year. Not to toot our own horn, but we’d like to take this moment to quote Queen Bey and say… Who run the world? Girls!
We’re Also a Mother/Daughter Business
Yes, it’s true: Alexian is run by mother-daughter duo, Laurie and Alexandra. In fact, last May, we actually explored what really goes into a mother-daughter business — and how it affects their relationship — via our Mother’s Day blog post, “Mother’s Day with Alexian Pâté.”
We Love Community
We believe in helping others and supporting communities. We make regular donations to our local food banks, support national programs which provide assistance to those in need by way of home cooked meals, and donate to disaster recovery programs.
In addition, our pâtés are packaged in printed cardboard sleeves that carry the seal of the Forest Stewardship Council®, certifying that the sourcing of materials promotes responsible and sustainable forest management to support local communities. The corrugated cartons used to ship Alexian products are made from recycled materials and printed with water-based inks.
We Stand by Humane Farm Animal Care
A question we often get us asked here at Alexian about our meat-based products is: “Are the animals humanely raised?” The answer is yes!
Each farm and ranch from which we purchase our meat ingredients, practices good animal husbandry. Their animals are treated humanely, live comfortably, and live stress-free. They have access to the outdoors to roam freely as weather permits; they live in minimal confinement and have adequate space to move and perform the functions natural to their species; they have access to food and water and protection from the elements; and their diet is balanced with the proper nutrients and is free from any animal by-product
We Keep It Natural
All of our pâtés — yes, all — are 100% natural and feature no artificial colors, no preservatives, and no fillers. Additionally, the vendors from which we source the meats used in our pâtés certify that they are free from added hormones and antibiotics.
Our Guide to a Festive Charcuterie Board
The holidays may be a little different this year, with fewer of our family and friends around the table, but you can still keep the holiday spirit alive with a show stopping dish. Two words: Charcuterie. Board.
We know, we know. You’re probably asking yourself: But how exactly do I transform a regular ‘ol charcuterie board into a magically festive meal for the holidays? Don’t fret: We’re here to help!
Here, we lay out everything you need to know about creating a holly jolly (not to mention, delicious!) charcuterie board for the holiday season.
The Cheeses
We suggest keeping it simple and using only three or four of your favorite cheeses. For a holiday charcuterie board, we always opt for a creamy Brie, a sharp cheddar, and a logof goat cheese. Not only are these cheeses well-loved by everyone, they’re also affordable and provide a nice variety..
The Meat
You didn’t think we’d go a whole blog post without mentioning pâté did you? When it comes to our holiday charcuterie boards, our top picks are our Grand Marnier, Chicken & Veal, and Herb de Provence. Also consider adding a smooth, spreadable option like our Truffle Mousse or Duck Liver Mousse with Cognac. Decadent and fulfilling, these pâtés can be perfectly paired with a multitude of cheeses and crackers, and are also always holiday favorites.
Hosting a vegan or vegetarian affair? Don’t panic: There’s pâté for that as well!
The Theme
Preparing a charcuterie board is like decorating: You can put a beautiful platter together with a mix of colors, textures, and shapes– just like you would a home. That’s why when it comes to a holiday charcuterie board, we suggest sticking to a theme; one that includes reds, greens, and whites.
Pears, grapes, and pomegranates are winter fruits that match the Christmas theme, while cranberries also add a dash of holiday spirit. Nuts and olives are a great festive choice as well, as well as some fresh rosemary. Oh, and don’t forget the crackers!
Overall, it’s essential to remember to place the large items like cheese and meats first. Then, fill in with nuts, fruit, and so on.
Happy holidays!
Cheers: Decadent Wine and Pâté Pairings
Much like wine, pâtés are filled with intricate flavors— and when paired, the full flavors of both truly come alive.
Overall, the acidity and refreshing nature of white wines are fabulous with most creamy, mousse style pâtés and vegetable pâtés, while the deep, satisfying flavors of red wines are a tasty companion to the heartier mousse and the traditional country style pâtés. That said, some pâté and wine combinations are more delicious than others.
Here, we lay out 5 of our favorite wine and pâté pairings.
Truffle Mousse can be enjoyed with red or white wines. This lighter bodied mousse calls for lighter bodied red wines, like a Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais. White wines are also a great companion and bring out the best of the truffle flavor and creamy texture. Try this pâté with a lighter bodied, unoaked Chardonnay or a glass of Champagne.
When it comes to Duck Liver Mousse with Cognac, we suggest pairing it with a classic Cabernet or a Port Winter. The sweetness of the Port plays well off of the pâté’s special blend of spices.
Garnished with fresh orange slices, Grand Marnier Pâté features pork, duck, and chicken liver with orange liqueur. Try this pâté with a Rosé wine. Rosé wines are medium bodied and many have the refreshing feel of white wine with a somewhat deep flavor more typical of a red.
OurForest Mushroom Pâté features the deep and earthy flavors of… well, mushrooms. To many wine enthusiasts, mushrooms should be thought of as red meat in terms of wine pairings. Pinot noir or Cabernet are perfect choices for these pâtés, or try a fuller bodied wine like Zinfandel.
Serve Tomato Basil Pâté or our Mushroom Artichoke with a dry Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blancis zesty and acidic, making it a great complement to foods that feature tomatoes or artichokes.
Our Guide to a Perfect Charcuterie and Cheese Pairing
Like cheese, pâté can stand alone, but uniting the two can lead to a match made in foodie heaven.
Accordingly, we at Alexian have decided our early Holiday gift to you is — drumroll, please — none other than to unveil our secrets to the perfect charcuterie (read: pâté) and cheese board. Excited? You should be!
Below, we highlight our guide to a perfect charcuterie and cheese pairing.
As the name suggests, hard cheese is firm and goes perfectly well with our creamy and decadent mousse pâtés. Often savory, hard cheese can be divided into two categories: hard (such as Parmesan), and semi-hard (such as Gouda). We suggest pairing the former with Black Peppercorn, and the latter with Chicken Liver.
Conversely, when it comes to coarse cut pâtés, we suggest opting for soft cheeses. Brie is a spreadable cheese with a buttery flavor and a strong aroma, while Burrata is part of the Mozzarella family and is typically served fresh with salads, fresh tomatoes and herbs, or bread. Both are excellently paired with our coarse cut variety.
A third place winner in our books when it comes to pairing cheese with a coarse cut? None other than Camembert. First made in France, this soft cheese made from cow’s milk is similar to Brie, but softer and more buttery, with an earthy flavor. Pro tip: It’s also best paired with red wine.
Overall, we recommend pairing boldly flavored pâtés— such as Pheasant Rosemary or Duck Liver Mousse with Cognac — with milder cheeses. And when it comes to softer-flavored pâtés, like Chicken Liver or our Vegetable varieties, we suggest opting for a strong flavored cheese of your choosing.
Here’s to happy snacking!
Alexian Presents: Original Stuffing Ideas
Stuffing is, without a doubt, one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. Here at Alexian, we like to put our own twist on things, and this seasonal classic is no different. Read on for some of our favorite pâté-inspired stuffing ideas to try in your own home this season:
Mouthwatering Mushroom-Leek
The warm, earthy flavors of mushroom paired with the mild bite of a leek is a classic combination in holiday cooking. Bring those flavors to life in a new way by incorporating our Wild Forest Mushroom Pâté into your classic recipe.
First, make a classic stuffing base. Sauté chopped onions, shiitake mushrooms and leeks until soft. Add the sautéed vegetables to your base mix and add a hearty amount of our Forest Mushroom Pâté. Serve the stuffing as you would normally.
Apple+Duck Delight
Our Duck Rillette has an abundance of flavor, in part to the special blend of spices we add during the slow-cooking process. First, create a cornbread stuffing base, with celery and onion. Next, peel, core and chop three apples. Then combine it all together and bake until golden brown.
Top the cooked stuffing with a layer of our Duck Rillette, and serve.
Turn it into an Appetizer
With hungry guests eagerly awaiting the dinner of the year, you’re sure to get the occasional wanderer in the kitchen hoping to score a sample. Don’t make your guests wait for the main course! Tease their appetites with a bit of stuffing.
Simply double your classic stuffing recipe (or set some aside if you’re making a lot already), then scoop the uncooked ingredients into a lined cupcake pan. Bake until golden brown.
To make each cup more filling, top with something savory, like our Truffle Mousse or our Black Peppercorn Mousse. Top with a dollop of cranberry sauce for an added bite of sweetness.
Decadent Pheasant Rosemary Stuffing
Thanksgiving is a day of indulgence, and what better way is there to spoil yourself than with a decadent gourmet stuffing?
Create a meal to remember by adding our Pheasant Rosemary Pâté – rich with pheasant, pork, and duck meats, rosemary and pecans – to your stuffing recipe!
Simply cut this coarse-cut pâté into small cubes and mix into your stuffing base, along with garlic, shallot, parsley, thyme and (optionally) mushrooms.
As it cooks, the flavors of pheasant and rosemary will blend into your stuffing, giving your whole meal a heavenly taste.