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

Easy Living: Effortless No-Cook Meals

A wise person once said, “The best meals are the ones I don’t have to cook myself.”

Okay, that person was more lazy than wise, but we’re lying to ourselves if that simple fact isn’t true. Sometimes, food you don’t have to cook is the absolute best— and no, we’re not just referring to take-out.

Below, check out our favorite no-cook meals.

Cold Cut Salad. If you think salads are basic, wake up your imagination! From fruits to veggies, to caesar dressing to buffalo ranch, your heaping serving of salad is as flavorful as your mind allows. Cold cuts and cheeses are great companions to veggies of all kinds.

Greek-Style Yogurt and Deli Meat Stuffed Peppers. Yes, that’s a leap from salad— but it’s no less complicated and can be a nice substitution for a sandwich. Grab big bell peppers, slice them in half and spoon out the seeds. Then, spread a thin layer of yogurt on the inside of the pepper before adding your choice of meat and cheese (any type will do, as there is no rulebook for this sort of thing, is there?). Add a little more yogurt, cheese and spices or herbs on top to finish it off. As a bonus, you can add as many smaller veggies as you can fit for more eye-popping flavor combinations.

Lunch Kebabs. If those two words alone don’t inspire you to rummage through your fridge and see what you can spear onto a pointy stick, here’s some inspiration: lunch meat (your choice), veggie (preferably the tangy, flavorful kind, like an olive or pepper), crusty bread(like a piece of sourdough), and cheese (your choice).

There’s no denying the ultimate no-cook meal: pâté. Pâté is delicious, and adventurous yet simpleespecially when combined with a nearly limitless amount of sides. Got cucumbers? You’ve got something to smear pâté over. Hamburger buns, but no patties? Who needs them when you’ve got pâté! Something crunchy like crackers? Bring it over and get to munching.