Aspic is a savory jelly made from a meat stock or consommé, typically flavored with vegetables, herbs, spices, and seasonings. It is often used as a glaze for pâtés and terrines, lending a glossy sheen and a protective coating that helps preserve the dish. Aspic can also be served as a standalone dish, either molded into decorative shapes or simply poured into a mold and allowed to set. This article provides recipes for three different aspics: a classic meat aspic, a seafood aspic, and a vegetarian aspic. The classic meat aspic is made with a rich beef stock, flavored with carrots, celery, onions, and a bouquet garni. The seafood aspic is made with a fish stock, flavored with shrimp, crab, and lobster. The vegetarian aspic is made with a vegetable stock, flavored with mushrooms, carrots, and celery. All three aspics are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Serve them as a first course, a side dish, or an elegant garnish.
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CLASSIC TERRINE OF FOIE GRAS
Whole foie gras can vary in size (goose liver tends to be larger than duck). If your foie gras differs from the recipe by more than half a pound, increase or decrease the size of the terrine, the weight (see "special equipment," below), and the seasonings accordingly. If you don't have an oval terrine, you could use a ceramic soufflé dish or a glass loaf pan that's just large enough for the foie gras to fit in snugly. Note that a foie gras terrine is supposed to have a layer of fat-it may look a bit odd, but it's actually quite delicious.
Categories Duck Appetizer Bake Cognac/Armagnac Chill Gourmet Sugar Conscious Low Sugar Kidney Friendly Paleo Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 10 first-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 200°F and line a small roasting pan with a folded kitchen towel or 6 layers of paper towels (this provides insulation so bottom of foie gras won't cook too quickly).
- Sprinkle each lobe and any loose pieces of foie gras on both sides with kosher salt and white pepper. Sprinkle one third of Sauternes in terrine and firmly press large lobe of foie gras, smooth side down, into bottom. (Wedge any loose pieces of foie gras into terrine to make lobe fit snugly.) Sprinkle with another third of Sauternes. Put smaller lobe of foie gras, smooth side up, into terrine and firmly press down to create a flat surface and snug fit. Sprinkle with remaining Sauternes. Cover surface of foie gras with plastic wrap, then cover terrine with lid or foil.
- Put terrine (with plastic wrap and lid) in roasting pan and fill roasting pan with enough hot water to reach halfway up side of terrine. Bake in middle of oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted diagonally into center of foie gras registers 120°F, 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or 160°F (for USDA standards), about 3 1/2 hours.
- Remove terrine from pan. Discard water and remove towel. Return terrine to roasting pan and remove lid. Put wrapped cardboard directly on surface of foie gras and set weight on cardboard (this will force fat to surface; don't worry if fat overflows). Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes.
- Remove weight and cardboard and spoon any fat that has dripped over side of terrine back onto top (fat will seal terrine). Chill, covered, until solid, at least 1 day.
- Unmold foie gras by running a hot knife around edge. Invert onto a plate and reinvert, fat side up, onto serving dish. Cut into slices with a heated sharp knife.
TERRINE OF RABBIT IN ASPIC
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, project, appetizer, main course
Time 2h20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Place the rabbit in a bowl. Combine one cup of the wine with the thyme, rosemary, one clove garlic, shallots, salt and pepper, pour over the rabbit and allow to marinate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the olive oil in a heavy casserole. Cut one of the carrots into thick slices and stir in with the sliced onion. When the vegetables begin to color, stir in the remaining garlic. Drain the rabbit pieces and reserve the marinade. Pat the rabbit pieces dry on paper towels and add them to the casserole. Stir them around for a few minutes, then strain the marinade into the casserole. Add three tablespoons of the Cognac.
- Bring to a simmer, cover and place in the oven to braise for 1 hour 15 minutes, until the rabbit is tender. Allow to cool to room temperature in the casserole.
- Remove the meat from the bones, keeping it in chunks. Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with vinegar and toss with the tarragon leaves.
- Cut the remaining four carrots into quarters lengthwise, and then into 1-inch pieces. Place the carrots and pearl onions in a saucepan with the chicken stock and simmer about eight minutes, until just tender. Remove vegetables from the pan with a slotted spoon and mix gently with the rabbit. Reserve the stock, covered.
- Soften the gelatin in water, then dissolve in the hot reserved stock. Stir in the remaining white wine and Cognac. Taste for seasoning and add salt if necessary. Pour the sauce over the rabbit and vegetables, mix gently and then transfer to a 5- to 6-cup terrine or glass bowl. Refrigerate until set. Serve as a first course or luncheon dish with a small salad such as mache in vinaigrette dressing.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 380, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 37 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 828 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your aspic will be.
- Make sure your gelatin is properly dissolved. If the gelatin is not properly dissolved, it will not set properly and your aspic will be runny.
- Chill your aspic thoroughly before serving. This will help it to set properly and have a firm texture.
- Be creative with your aspics. You can use a variety of different ingredients to make aspics, such as vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures.
Conclusion:
Aspic is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you are serving it as an appetizer, main course, or dessert, aspic is sure to impress your guests. With a little planning and effort, you can create beautiful and delicious aspics that will be the star of the show at your next party or gathering.
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