Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Last Minute Gifts

Yesterday I had to venture to the mall to exchange a gift...It was frightful.There were so many people there, no parking, long lines and it got me thinking about a couple of things 1) Am I glad to have all my shopping done so I don't have to come back here 2) what would I do if I forgot a present for someone?
I put together a couple of ideas for easy DIY that you don't have to step foot in the mall to do.
First for a holiday dinner Easy Chic Chicken Liver Pate
From Bon AppétitChicken Liver Pate
Ingredients
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
4 bacon slices, chopped
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
12 oz chicken livers, trimmed
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, cut into 1/4- to 1/3-inch cubes (about 1 1/3 cups)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram*
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled, quartered
2 tablespoons dry Sherry, bourbon, or Cognac
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Fresh parsley sprig
Rye bread slices, toasted or crackers, for serving
Directions
  1. Melt 1/4 cup butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add onion and sauté until pale golden, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and stir 1 minute.
  4. Add chicken livers, apple, and marjoram; sauté until livers are no longer pink inside and apple is soft, about 8 minutes.
  5. Transfer warm liver mixture to processor. Add hard-boiled eggs, Sherry, and salt; puree until almost smooth.
  6. Transfer mixture to fine to medium sieve set over large bowl. Using sturdy rubber spatula, press mixture through sieve into bowl.
  7. Mix in remaining 1/2 cup butter. Season pâté to taste with freshly ground pepper. Transfer to small serving bowl. Garnish pâté with parsley and serve with toasted rye bread or crackers.
Makes about 2 cups.
Make ahead: Can be made 4 days ahead. Cover and chill. Place in empty Mason Jar and decorate.
.12 Days of Edible Gifts: Chicken Liver Pate
For those of us who are afraid of the kitchen you can place a mixture of chocolate covered berries in a Mason jar and decorate or you can layer Cocoa powder and Marshmallows for a hot Chocolate mix in a jar.Personalized presents are a cheap and easy way to show someone you care!

No comments:

Post a Comment