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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Liver Pate Recipe - A Powerhouse Snack

Happy Chickens have Happy Livers!!

Chicken liver is brimming with nutrients. Discover its nutrition facts and health giving goodness.  For every 100 grams of chicken liver, these are the nutrition facts and health promoting properties.

1. Helps prevent anemia
(Vitamin B12 – 352%)
Chicken liver can supply the body with over three times the daily needed value of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient which supports the production of red blood cells and helps prevent pernicious anemia.
2. Promotes good eyesight
(Vitamin A -288%)
Many people probably didn’t know that it is brimming with vitamin A in the form of retinol, alpha and beta-carotene including lycopene. At 14378 IU, it’s a very powerful supporter for healthy vision.
3. Helps promote fertility
(Folate – 140%)
If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, chicken liver is good for you. With its 560 mcg of folate, it helps promote fertility as well as prevent neural tube defects for the developing baby.
4. Promotes healthy tissues
(Riboflavin -136%)
Soreness around the lips, mouth, and tongue and cracking and/or peeling of the skin at the corners of the mouth and around the nose indicates a lack of riboflavin in the body. Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B1 is essential for normal reproduction, growth, repair and development of body tissues including the skin. Chicken liver is loaded with 2.3 mg of riboflavin.
5. Keeps thyroid healthy
(Selenium – 126%)
It is also brimming with selenium, a mineral which supports iodine to keep the thyroid gland in top shape.
6. Helps the body fight stress
(Pantothenic Acid – 83%)
With its rich pantothenic acid, it helps the body combat stress by supporting the adrenal glands.
7. Keeps immune system healthy
(Iron – 72%)
In addition to its role in preventing anemia, iron also keeps the immune system in top condition and chicken liver is an excellent source of this essential mineral.
8. Helps prevent pellagra
(Niacin – 70%)
Lack of niacin supply in the body will show in the form of pellagra, a disease with symptoms that include delusions, diarrhea, inflamed mucous membranes and scaly skin sores. Chicken and tuna are some of the highest sources of niacin.
9. Promotes healthy skin, hair and nails
(Protein – 52%)
One of the many health benefits of protein is keeping the skin, muscles, hair and nails in top condition and chicken liver is another excellent source of this very important nutrient.
10. Helps keep teeth and bones healthy
(Phosphorous – 42%)
It is also good for the teeth, gums and bones through its rich phosphorous content as calcium cannot build teeth and bones without the aid of this mineral.


One of my favorite ways to enjoy liver is in pate' form.  This recipe is delicious and Laura is now adding more sage....Enjoy!

Liver Pate Recipe
Courtesy of Laura Knopf, B.Sc. Nutrition Consultant & Instructor at Bauman College

1 lb. liver, organic or free range chicken or duck preferably
1 large organic onion, diced
2Tbsp. organic butter for sautéing
2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. marjoram
1 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. sage
2 tsp. dulse flakes
1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper (optional)
2 tsp. Miso paste (brown)
2 Tbsp. raw organic butter or ghee for blending

Melt butter in large skillet.  With medium heat sauté diced onion until translucent.  Add liver and lightly sauté until barely done, approx. 5-10 minutes.  While the liver is cooking add the spices.  Add water if the onions start to burn.  When the liver is cooked (no red juice comes out of it but pink inside is ok) set the pan aside to cool.  When the liver and onions have cooled somewhat, put them into a food processor or blender along with the miso and 1-2 Tbsp more butter and blend until smooth.  Serve on thin crisp crackers while still warm or chill and allow it to set before serving. 


 

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