Chicken Liver Mousse

Ingredients for Chicken Liver Mousse

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 80ml Cognac or other brandy

• 170g chicken livers, trimmed (180ml )

• 5 large egg yolks

• 240ml whole milk

• 60ml plain flour

• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoons ground allspice

• 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons ) unsalted butter

• Several bay leaves (preferably fresh

• see cooks' note, below)

• Accompaniments: crackers or toasted baguette slices

• flaky sea salt

• cornichons

• a 2 1/2- to 3-cup ovenproof crock or terrine

How to make Chicken Liver Mousse

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 177°C.

Cook shallot in oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Remove from heat and carefully add Cognac (use caution; if Cognac ignites, shake skillet), then boil until reduced to about 2 tablespoons , 1 to 2 minutes.

Transfer to a blender and add livers and yolks, then purée until smooth. Add milk, flour, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice and blend until combined. Pour into crock, skimming off any foam.

Put crock in a larger baking pan and bake in a water bath until mousse is just set and a small sharp knife inserted in centre comes out clean, about 55 minutes.

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then remove from heat and let stand 3 minutes.

Arrange bay leaves decoratively on top of mousse. Skim froth from butter, then spoon enough clarified butter over mousse to cover its surface, leaving milky solids in bottom of saucepan.

Chill mousse completely, uncovered, about 4 hours. Bring to room temperature about 1 hour before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.