Chicken, Sausage and Lardoni Terrines Flavored with Cognac

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken (or chicken breast, finely chopped)
• ½ lb sausage meat (Italian sausage or a mild sausage of your choice)
• ½ lb lardons (or diced bacon)
• 2 tablespoons cognac (or brandy)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for binding)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Butter (for greasing the terrine mold)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lardons:

Start by cooking the lardons (or diced bacon) in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté until they are crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside to drain on a paper towel. Leave a small amount of the rendered fat in the pan.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat in the reserved fat until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Mix the Meat Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, sausage meat, and cooked onion and garlic mixture. Add the crispy lardons to the bowl along with the parsley, thyme, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Add Cognac and Bind the Mixture:

Pour in the cognac and stir well to incorporate. The cognac will add a deep, rich flavor to the mixture. Next, add the beaten egg and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is well combined and holds together. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Prepare the Terrine Mold:

Grease a terrine mold (or loaf pan) with butter to prevent the terrine from sticking. If you want an extra layer of protection, you can line the bottom of the mold with parchment paper.

6. Assemble the Terrine:

Spoon the meat mixture into the prepared terrine mold, pressing it down gently to remove any air pockets and ensure an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the top of the mixture.

7. Bake the Terrine:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the terrine mold in a roasting pan filled with about an inch of hot water (this creates a water bath to prevent the terrine from drying out). Bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the terrine is fully cooked through and a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F (74°C).

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8. Cool and Serve:

Once the terrine is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the mold for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the terrine to firm up, making it easier to slice.

9. Serve:

Once cooled, remove the terrine from the mold. Slice it into generous pieces and serve. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Success:

• Cognac: If you prefer a less pronounced cognac flavor, you can reduce the amount used or substitute it with a different spirit like brandy or sherry.
• Serving Suggestions: This terrine is delicious served with crusty French bread, pickled vegetables, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the terrine.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight, making it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the seasoning or swap ingredients. You can use different types of sausage, add dried fruits like apricots or raisins for a sweet contrast, or experiment with herbs like rosemary or sage for added flavor.

Conclusion:

Chicken, Sausage, and Lardoni Terrines Flavored with Cognac is a truly special dish that combines rich, savory flavors in a unique way. With tender chicken, flavorful sausage, crispy lardons, and the elegant touch of cognac, this terrine is sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to a gourmet meal, this terrine is a fantastic choice. Serve it with some fresh bread, a vibrant salad, or pickles, and prepare to be showered with compliments!