Velvet Underground Appetizer (Printable)

Creamy pâté layered with sweet jams and crunchy nuts, garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant starter.

# What You 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 - 1.75 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 (chives or parsley), finely chopped, for garnish

# How-To:

01 - Spread half of the pâté evenly onto the base of a shallow serving dish or individual ramekins.
02 - Dot half of the fig jam and blackcurrant jam over the pâté, swirling lightly for a marbled effect.
03 - Evenly sprinkle half the roasted hazelnuts and toasted walnuts over the jam layer, pressing gently to embed them.
04 - Repeat the layering with the remaining pâté, jams, and nuts to create a second layer, ensuring some nuts remain hidden 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 Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when you actually threw it together in fifteen minutes.
  • The texture keeps surprising you—creamy, then sweet, then that hidden crunch that makes you pause and smile.
02 -
  • Don't over-swirl the jams into the pâté—a little restraint keeps that luxe, layered look rather than turning it into brown murk.
  • If your pâté is cold and stiff, let it sit for five minutes before spreading—it'll smooth on easier without tearing.
03 -
  • If you're making this ahead, assemble it no more than two hours before serving—the pâté will hold its structure but the jams stay vibrant.
  • Individual ramekins create a more elegant presentation than a shared dish, and they're easier for guests to navigate without feeling like they're digging.
Go Back