Vegan Pâté de Campagne with Calvados, Porcini Cashew Cream, and Onion Jam

Preheat oven to 350℉. Toast nuts in a non-stick pan on low heat until aromatic and beginning to turn golden, taking precaution not to burn (about 5 minutes).

In a second pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add chopped onion and shallot. Stir and cook on medium heat until brown and soft; add sliced mushrooms and seasonings. Continue cooking 5 minutes, or until mushrooms have softened; the goal is to impart more flavor through caramelization, without burning the mushrooms.

Using a lighter or long match, Pour Calvados brandy into pan and immediately ignite with a lighter or long match to flambé. Be cautious to not lean over the pan for this step.

Add sautéed mushrooms and nuts to the food processor and process mixture to your liking (I personally like to leave a few little chunks for a pleasing added texture). Pack Pâté tightly in two 8oz oven-safe glass jars up to ¾ of jar capacity and bake for 25 minutes. Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Soak cashews overnight (or boil for 15 minutes, remove from heat and set aside to cool completely). Soak dried mushrooms in hot water; cool completely.

Add the mushrooms to a food processor along with the soaked cashews, 1/4 cup water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, parsley and the salt. Process until smooth. Add water if necessary. Reserve in the fridge.

Finely slice red onions and cook in butter in a saucepan over high heat, about 10 minutes. Add sugar and vinegar; cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Add red wine and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until liquid has evaporated and reduced to a jam consistency, about 60 minutes. Will keep in a sterilized glass jar in the refrigerator up to four weeks.

To assemble hors d’œuvre, toast bread, cut a ¼ inch slice of pâté and lay it on the warm bread. Pipe on Porcini Cashew Cream and top with a teaspoon of confit. Garnish with fresh herbs or mushroom chips.

Pâté de campagne is best enjoyed at room temperature, so make sure to take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.

A buckwheat bread or sourdough bread is a good choice to pair with the pâté. Toast your bread for added texture and some temperature contrast.