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Calf Fry Pâté (Bull Butter)

4.2

(3)

Adapted from Dead Horse Ranch

This unusual pâté is made with calves' testicles, also called calf fries. Despite the unique ingredient, bull butter has a milder flavor and more mousselike texture than traditional chicken liver pâté.

Cooks' note:

Bull butter may be chilled up to 4 days.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 5 cups

Ingredients

1 pound calf fries, trimmed and peeled (see how to clean calf fries )
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
4 hard-boiled large eggs, coarsely chopped
1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup shelled natural pistachios, toasted
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
Pinch of cayenne
2 tablespoons Cognac
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Accompaniment: sliced baguette or crackers

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Halve calf fries lengthwise with a sharp knife, then pat dry with paper towels. Season flour with salt and pepper and dredge fries to lightly coat, shaking off excess.

    Step 2

    Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté fries in 2 batches until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

    Step 3

    Purée fries in a food processor with remaining ingredients until smooth and transfer to a serving bowl. Chill, covered, until firm, at least 4 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.

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