Velvet Underground appetizer (Printable)

Sophisticated layers of smooth pâté, sweet jams, and crunchy nuts create an elegant starter with fresh herb garnish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pâté Base

01 - 7 oz smooth duck or chicken liver pâté (store-bought or homemade)

→ Jam Layer

02 - 4 tbsp fig jam
03 - 2 tbsp blackcurrant jam

→ Crunchy Surprises

04 - 1.8 oz roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
05 - 1 oz toasted walnuts, broken into pieces

→ Accompaniments

06 - 1 small baguette, thinly sliced and toasted (optional: gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks)
07 - Fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley), finely chopped, for garnish

# How To Make It:

01 - Spread half of the pâté evenly onto the base of a shallow serving dish or individual ramekins.
02 - Dot half of the fig and blackcurrant jams over the pâté, swirling lightly for a marbled effect.
03 - Sprinkle half the hazelnuts and walnuts evenly over the jam layer, gently pressing them in to embed.
04 - Repeat with remaining pâté, jams, and nuts to create a second layer, ensuring some nuts remain beneath the surface.
05 - Smooth the top with a spatula and garnish with additional chopped nuts and fresh herbs.
06 - Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, gluten-free crackers, or vegetable sticks.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The textural play between creamy, crunchy, and smooth keeps your palate engaged with every bite.
  • It looks far more impressive than the fifteen minutes it takes to assemble, making you feel like the kind of host who has their life together.
  • Hidden layers of nuts buried beneath the jam create delightful little discoveries that feel intentional rather than accidental.
02 -
  • Don't overthink the swirling—a few gentle passes with your spatula create enough visual interest; too much mixing defeats the purpose of layering.
  • Toasting your nuts and baguette beforehand is non-negotiable; it transforms ordinary into something guests notice and remember.
  • Let your pâté sit at room temperature for five minutes before assembling so it spreads without tearing.
03 -
  • Quality pâté is the entire game here—spend a little extra and taste the difference immediately.
  • Toast your nuts yourself rather than buying pre-toasted; the flavor deepens perceptibly and the fragrance alone is half the appetizer.
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