CHICKEN LIVER PâTé WITH FIG PRESERVES

Chicken Liver Pâté with Fig Preserves image

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 large onions (about 3/4 pound), chopped
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
1 pound chicken livers, trimmed
1/4 cup Tawny Port
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup fig preserves (available at specialty foods shops and some supermarkets), chopped fine
toast points or water biscuits as an accompaniment

Steps:

In a large skillet cook the onions in 2 tablespoons of the butter over moderate heat, stirring, until they are softened and transfer them to a food processor. In the skillet melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter over moderately high heat until the foam subsides and in it sauté the chicken livers, patted dry and seasoned with salt and pepper, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside but still pink within. Transfer the livers to the food processor. Add the Port to the skillet, bring it to a boil, and deglaze the skillet, scraping up the brown bits, for 1 minute. Add the Port to the food processor with the remaining 4 tablespoons butter, softened, the allspice, the lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste, purée the mixture until it is smooth, and force it through a fine sieve into a bowl. Line an oiled 1 1/2-quart terrine or straight-sided dish with plastic wrap and pour the pâté, covered, for 5 hours, or until it is firm. The pâté may be made 4 days in advance and kept covered and chilled. Invert the pâté onto a plate, discarding the plastic wrap, and smooth the top and sides. Spread the preserves on the top and serve the pâté with the toast points or water biscuits.