Easy Country Pork Pâté with Dried Apples & Pistachios

By á-61574

This pâté has a sweetness from the dried apples, a few savory notes from the bay leaves, and a distinguishing crunch from the pistachios. Perfect served with slices of baguette, good mustard, and gerkins for an added crunch, this pâté is the perfect appetizer for any festive celebratory gathering or fancy dinner party.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds coarsely ground pork*
• 1/4 cup dried apple slices, finely diced
• 1/2 cup whole roasted pistachio nuts, shelled
• 1/4 cup brandy or Cognac
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 slices bacon
• 4 bay leaves
• coarse-ground mustard to taste
• cornichons or sour gherkins for garnish
• baguette slices, toasted, for serving

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl combine pork, diced dried apples, pistachios, brandy, apple juice, egg white, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix well. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375° F. Using a wooden spoon, press chilled pork mixture firmly against the side of the bowl. Spoon out excess liquid, if present, and discard.

Line two 5 1/2x3-inch loaf pans crosswise with 3 slices bacon each (ends of bacon will drape over edges of pans). Divide pork mixture evenly between loaf pans and pat mixture firmly and evenly into pans (pans will be full). Place two bay leaves on top of the pork mixture in each pan; fold bacon slices over top of bay leaves. Place loaf pans on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake pate for 50 to 60 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centers of the loaves reads 170° F. Remove pans from oven and carefully tilt pans over a heatproof bowl to allow excess fat to drain. Place a small sheet of foil over each loaf pan; top with a 1-pound can of fruit or vegetables to compress pate. Let cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 4 hours or until fully chilled.

Remove cans and foil. Discard bay leaves. Invert loaf pans onto a cutting board to remove pate. If desired, discard bacon. With a sharp serrated knife, cut each loaf into 12 slices.

Serve cold sliced pate with coarse mustard, cornichons, and baguette slices as part of a charcuterie platter.

*Ask your butcher to coarsely grind the pork.