Chicken Liver Pâté with Sage, Apple and Thyme

Makes about 2 1/2 cups

• 1 pound chicken livers
• 6 tablespoons butter at room temperature, divided
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup chopped shallots (about 4 small shallots)
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon sage, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup clarified butter, melted (optional)
• Thyme and sage sprigs (optional)
•  Seed crackers for serving

Trim the livers of any excess fat and tough connective tissue. Set aside in the refrigerator.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until edges are just beginning to brown. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are soft and browning at the edges. Add the livers, apple, sage and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until the livers are just barely pink inside when cut and the apple pieces are soft.
Transfer the liver mixture to the bowl of a food processor. Pour the apple cider vinegar into the skillet and bring to a boil over low heat, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Boil for about 1 minute to reduce slightly, then pour over the liver mixture. Add the salt. Process until mixture is very smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Transfer mixture to a bowl and mix thoroughly with the remaining 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Add pepper to taste. Pack into small jars or ramekins and smooth tops with a spatula or knife. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap against the surface of pâté. For longer storage, pour enough clarified butter to cover the top of each ramekin and add a decorative herb sprig. Chill until butter is firm and cover with lid. For best flavor, refrigerate at least overnight before serving.
Let soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving with crackers or baguette slices. Pâté will keep refrigerated for up to one week, or up to two weeks with the clarified butter seal.