Poultry Liver Parfait With Pear Food

CHICKEN LIVER PARFAIT

Steps:

• Tip the wine, brandy, shallot and garlic into a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer until most of the liquid has reduced, about 3-5 mins, then set aside to cool. Meanwhile, heat half the oil in a large frying pan. Once hot, add half of the livers and sear them for 1 min on each side so they are brown on the outside but still rosy in the middle. Tip into a colander with a bowl underneath to catch any leftover fat. Repeat with the remaining livers and oil.
• Tip the livers into a food processor along with the cooled red wine and shallot mix. Add half the thyme leaves, all the cream and melted butter. Blend to a fine purée and season generously, then pour into a jar, pot or six individual ramekins. Transfer to the fridge to set for 2 hrs.
• Once the parfait has set, sprinkle with the remaining thyme leaves and spoon over a thin layer of melted clarified butter and put back in the fridge to set the butter. Can be made up to two days ahead and chilled. To serve, toast the brioche and serve with the parfait and a separate pot of chutney for everyone to help themselves.

CHICKEN LIVER PARFAIT WITH APPLE & SAFFRON CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Soak the livers overnight in milk to remove any bitterness. Drain well in a colander. To make the reduction, heat the oil in a sauté pan and fry shallots, herbs and peppercorns for 3-5 mins until the shallots are starting to soften. Add the Cognac and carefully flambé by tipping the pan towards the flame, or use a match.
• Once the flames have subsided, boil the Cognac for a few secs until it reduces down to a couple of tbsp. Add the port and madeira together and boil again for about 10 mins, or until reduced by two thirds. Leave to cool slightly so it's not piping hot.
• Add the livers, eggs, egg yolks and butter into the reduction and stir gently. Once the butter has almost melted, add the salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to a blender and blitz for 2 mins or until smooth, scraping the sides down. Strain into a jug; rub the mix against the sieve with the back of a ladle. Discard any sinewy bits left behind.
• Check seasoning, then pour into eight 100ml ovenproof ramekins. Heat the oven to 110C/fan 90C/gas ¼. Line a heatproof pan with four layers of kitchen towel and sit the ramekins on top. Pour very hot, but not boiling, water into the pan
• Test if the parfaits are ready by tilting one of them to the side - the parfait mix should just bulge slightly at the edge of the ramekin and gently wobble in the middle when shaken gently. (Don't forget that it will keep on cooking as it cools.) Remove the ramekins from the pan, cool then chill for at least 4 hrs or until set.
• Seal the parfaits with butter. Melt the butter in a pan but do not let boil. Whisk in the nutmeg, rosemary and half the thyme leaves. Taste butter for seasoning, then spoon over the parfait tops, sprinkle with the reserved thyme to decorate and return to the fridge to set. Will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the shallots, ginger and a good pinch of sea salt, then fry for 3 mins. Crumble in the saffron, sprinkle in the sugar and carry on cooking for few mins until the sugar melts and starts to caramelise, stirring all the time.
• Tip in the vinegar and apples, then cook for 5 mins until the apples are just softened and coated in a syrupy sauce. Cool and serve. Can be spooned into an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

WARM GOAT CHEESE SALAD WITH PEAR

Steps:

• Slice the goat cheese into four 1/2" disks. If the cheese crumbles, use your hands to form it back into a disk. Pour the bread crumbs onto a plate and toss with the thyme and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
• Dip the goat cheese into the egg, then into the crumb mixture, turning to coat evenly. Place the disks on a plate and into the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place the goat cheese on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray and bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is soft and the crumbs are toasted. Remove. While the oven is still hot, toast the walnuts for 5 minutes.
• Toss the lettuce with the vinaigrette and pear. Divide between 4 plates. Top with walnuts and goat cheese.

POULTRY LIVER PARFAIT WITH PEAR

Steps:

• Poultry Liver Mousse : In a skillet, brown poultry liver and shallots in butter at high heat. Add salt and pepper. Deglaze with wine and cognac. Let reduce by half or until the liver is pink.
• In food processor, reduce the liver in a smooth puree with sugar, oregano and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Strain in a sieve. Cover and refrigerate about 45 minutes or until completely cold.
• In another bowl, whip remaining heavy cream until soft peaks. With a spatula, add whipped cream to liver mousse by folding. Adjust seasonings.
• To serve as appetizer, distribute in shot glasses. Cover and refrigerate about 45 minutes or until ready to serve. To serve as a starter, distribute in espresso cups, martini glass or other small bowl that contains 1/3 cup.
• Garnish: In a bowl, stir all ingredients. Add salt and pepper. When ready to serve, garnish each serving with 1 teaspoon of the garnish. Garnish with chives, if wanted.