‘Try the grey stuff-it’s delicious! Don’t believe us, ask the dishes!’
I remember that line from Beauty and the Beast as a child. In my mind, I just thought the ‘grey stuff’ was something fancy and French. As an adult, I contemplate how many grey foods there are out there and question whether or not they are, in fact, delicious.
One day, while doing something banal like washing the dishes or hanging the laundry to dry, a sudden realization came over me. Could the grey stuff have been pâté? It must be! After all, I can’t think of anything more ‘fancy’, French, grey AND delicious than pâté.
I’ll admit that when first introduced to pâté, I was a bit skeptical and apprehensive. The look of it can’t be characterized as ‘appetizing’ nor the description of what it is exactly: ‘meat paste’. Pâté is one of those things that you either love or hate but you first need to try in order to decide. Once I did try it, of course, I was smitten. It was one of the few things I desperately craved while pregnant but couldn’t have. As soon as I gave birth and was out of the hospital, I indulged in a glass of Rioja and pâté. It was like finally scratching an inch you’ve had for 9 months and it was fantastic.
Speaking of fantastic, I can’t think of anything more grey and delicious than this chicken liver parfait. The rich, dark flavor of the liver combined with fresh rosemary, leeks cream and Marsala wine is a perfectly heavenly combination. It’s easy to make and difficult to stop eating. I find myself going back for more baguettes every time the urge for a snack comes over me. In a way, it might actually be a good thing I run out of bread otherwise I might never stop eating it.