Virginia Ham Pâté

Virginia Ham Pâté Recipe - A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Appetizer

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Virginia Ham Pâté is a delicious and savory spread that is perfect for serving at parties or as a snack. Made with ground cooked ham, hard boiled eggs, cream cheese, mustard, mushrooms, and onion, this pâté is full of flavor and texture.

History

Virginia Ham Pâté is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in Virginia, where ham is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The combination of ham, eggs, and cream cheese creates a rich and creamy spread that is perfect for spreading on crackers or bread.

Ingredients

1 cup of ground cooked ham
2 hard cooked eggs, finely chopped
1 package (3 oz or 85 g) of softened cream cheese
1 tbsp of dijon mustard
2 to 3 mushrooms, finely chopped
1 tbsp of finely minced onion

How to prepare

Mix the ingredients in a small bowl.
Place the mixture in a blender and blend it.
Serve the mixture on cheese wafers or warm cocktail biscuits.

Variations

Add chopped herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor.
Mix in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Substitute the mushrooms with finely chopped bell peppers or olives for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the hard boiled eggs and mushrooms to ensure a smooth texture in the pâté.

- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Adjust the amount of dijon mustard to suit your taste preferences - add more for a spicier flavor or less for a milder taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Virginia Ham Pâté on crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Blend the ingredients in a blender for a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cooked chicken or turkey in place of ham for a different flavor.

- Substitute the cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a tangy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Virginia Ham Pâté can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Virginia Ham Pâté in a decorative bowl with a garnish of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Virginia Ham Pâté with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Virginia Ham Pâté in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Virginia Ham Pâté contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Virginia Ham Pâté contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Virginia Ham Pâté contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Virginia Ham Pâté contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Virginia Ham Pâté is a good source of vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Virginia Ham Pâté contains dairy (cream cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Virginia Ham Pâté is a rich and flavorful spread that is high in protein and fat, making it a satisfying snack or appetizer option.

Summary

Virginia Ham Pâté is a delicious and easy-to-make spread that is perfect for serving at parties or as a snack. With its rich and savory flavor, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make Virginia Ham Pâté. I remember it like it was yesterday - the scent of the ham cooking in the oven, the taste of the creamy pâté on my tongue, and the feeling of pride as I served it to my family.

I first learned this recipe from my dear Aunt Margaret, a woman who was known far and wide for her culinary skills. She had traveled the world and collected recipes from every corner of the globe. When she came to visit us one summer, she brought with her a recipe for Virginia Ham Pâté that she had picked up during her travels in the south.

Aunt Margaret was a patient teacher, guiding me through each step of the recipe with care and precision. She showed me how to select the best Virginia ham, how to season it just right, and how to mix it with the other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy pâté. I watched in awe as she worked her magic in the kitchen, her hands moving with the skill and grace of a master chef.

As the pâté baked in the oven, filling the house with its mouthwatering aroma, Aunt Margaret shared stories of her travels and the people she had met along the way. She talked about the importance of preserving traditional recipes and passing them down through the generations. And she spoke about the joy of sharing good food with the ones you love.

When the pâté was finally ready, Aunt Margaret and I sat down at the table with my family to enjoy our creation. The rich, savory flavor of the ham mingled with the creamy texture of the pâté, creating a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before. My family raved about the dish, declaring it a new favorite and asking for the recipe so they could make it themselves.

From that day on, Virginia Ham Pâté became a staple in our household. I made it for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays to Sunday dinners. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Aunt Margaret and the day she had shared her knowledge and love of cooking with me. I felt a deep connection to her and to the generations of women before us who had passed down their recipes and traditions.

Over the years, I have made some modifications to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have experimented with different seasonings, tried new variations of the ingredients, and even incorporated some of my own favorite flavors. But at its heart, the recipe for Virginia Ham Pâté remains the same - a testament to the love and care that went into creating it all those years ago.

As I sit here now, writing this story and thinking back on that fateful day with Aunt Margaret, I am filled with gratitude for the gift she gave me. Not just the recipe for Virginia Ham Pâté, but the love of cooking and the joy of sharing good food with others. I hope to pass on that same gift to my own grandchildren one day, teaching them the recipes and traditions that have meant so much to me.

And so, I continue to cook and bake, to experiment and create, always striving to capture the magic of that first taste of Virginia Ham Pâté. For me, it is more than just a recipe - it is a connection to my past, a link to my family, and a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together. And for that, I am truly grateful.