This is another installment in my mini-series on portable picnic essentials. Last week there was hummus. This week I’m bringing a French classic inspired pâté, but with a plant-based twist. What’s amazing about this recipe is that it has the same richness and deeply flavorful and nuanced essence of a liver-based pâté. You really only need a few spreads over bread before feeling that rich, decadent instinct that tells you not to go too far. Yet you can feel free to eat as much as you want as long as nuts and olives are in your game plan. This is a three-ingredient classic, but I imagine if you add other vegetables, herbs and spices it could take on the broad range of flavors that a meat-based pate offers. This walnut pâté lasts in case you don’t eat it in one sitting and I’ll say it got better each day. Although quick in prep time, this is a dish that matures beautifully with age.
There is something special about eating a meal outdoors. It’s even more special when it’s a hard-earned meal. This time of year after a long day on the lake, stolen moments in a swimming hole or a steady hike up a mountain, outdoor meals make me feel connected to the outdoors. This Labor Day we went back to my favorite part of upstate New York and Vermont, the Adirondacks. I partly wanted to survey the scene of this insane race I signed up for less than three weeks away. With my mind full of a million things I was slowly transformed in the subtle way only nature can do. And then I heard the magical, haunting, mournful call of the loon. They live side by side with the ducks on the lakes, but are slightly more elusive. The sound of their call reduces me to reverence. It’s such a treat to witness. Being with your loved one in a land carved out by glaciers, where the landscape shapes its people, the ostentation of the mountains and tranquility of the lakes expecting nothing of you save for respect. Therein lies the draw. And what better way to enhance the experience than carrying with you some homemade goodies to be enjoyed in the wild?
Just a little note, if you’re interested in more of the landscape, both city and country, and not just the food, check out my husband’s Instagram. I’ve got some good stuff on mine, but I don’t want to overwhelm the feed. I hope you all had a good week!
WALNUT PATE
Adapted from the Plant Power Way by Rich Roll & Julie Piatt. These guys are game-changers. They inspired my running, my smoothie obsession and so much more.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 large bunch fresh cilantro
- 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts
- about 6 oz pitted Kalamata olives, drained
- filtered water
DIRECTIONS:
Add the ingredients to a high powered blender or food processor, making sure all of the ingredients are distributed evenly. It may take some rearranging for the cilantro to be completely broken down. Add water a tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency. Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm with toast, pita bread, flax crackers, or collard greens.
I love the idea of a portable picnic mini-series! Very fitting for this time of year! The pate looks very delicious and very approachable–something one could throw together quickly, grab some crackers or bread, and head out the door. 🙂 How lucky that you got to spend the weekend in the Adirondacks! I looooove the call of the loon. I don’t get to hear it very often at all, but when I do, I know I am somewhere special and pristine. Wonderful images, both from the writing and from the photos! 🙂
Thank you Jenny! This is perfect for a busy person who needs to make time to make time…ie me. When I first heard the loon I thought it was wolves. I was ready to pack to the tent and head for a lodge. Now I know 😉 I was telling a friend about your blog the other day and how I admire all that you do. Xo
This recipe is for me, since I don’t eat liver. Looks like a delicious appetizer.
Oh Jovina you’d love it! Anything spreadable and healthy seems like my thing these days. I hope you’re well. I owe you a visit big time. Xoxo
That looks delicious – almost like a walnut tapenade. I just read a review of a new restaurant in Barcelona, where the emphasis is on vegetables. They haven’t removed meat or fish, but they have moved them to a supporting role. It did make me think of you, because I could see you making dishes like this and cleverly finding an umami taste to completely negate the need for beasts. Have a look – the food is beautiful:
http://www.foodbarcelona.com/4amb5-mujades/
BTW – I just realised that WP has stopped notifying me when you reply to a comment – there may be nothing we can do about this, but I thought I should mention it in case it’s happening to others. In future I will be sure to check back the next day, when I leave reply.
I noticed this too! About other people’s blogs. I’ll look into it! So unfair! This restaurant!! That’s exactly what I’m trying to do! Thanks for the link. Such an astute person you are! I’ll look into the comment business.
Perhaps if it’s happening across the board it can be fixed.
I just tried to add a plug in that would notify users via when I respond in case they don’t get the wp notification. We’ll see if it works. If only I knew how to program!
Fingers crossed – what’s the plugin, I’ll have a look at it. It may just be a bug with the latest version of WP that they will fix sometime in the future, so worth flagging up to them.
It’s called “comment reply notification”. I’m not sure it’s working. If you get an email, then it is. This may be an update issue. I definitely have noticed it before. Have a good evening, MD!
It works!
Yes, definitely an update issue – it all worked perfectly until 3 weeks ago.
Yay, MD! Thanks for the help. I feel so privileged to have you as a reader. 🙂
Hi Amanda, I got that first reply (after you’d installed the plugin) but nothing since. I believe the problem may lie with Jetpack. I’ve noticed the same problem on One Man’s Meat and he’s using Jetpack too. I did a search for notification problems and Jetpack and found others with similar issues. They were asked to contact Jetpack, so that’s probably what you should do. Hopefully they can help you resolve the issue 🙂
Thanks, MD. I didn’t realize it still wasnt working. I’ll work on it. Thanks for letting me know. I want ppl to read my responses.
Oh that looks and sounds so good! And walnuts are so good for you too 😀
Thanks, Chica! This is a great recipe and so accessible. I hope you’re well!
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Oh wow, look at that simple, flavorful recipe. I love how three ingredients and water can work wonders and deliciousness. A slice of rye bread and this on top would just make me so happy. Maybe I’ll have to make something similar, as I am going to a Lillean food blogger picnic next week, and want to surprise them with something both simple, quick, and unusual. I love the idea and the look of it! I actually saw a loon fishing at Crystal lake on my last day in the Catskills, and was extremely excited. I had never seen so much wildlife in my life before this trip. Amazing landscapes too! Glad you had a nice time in the Adirondacks.
PS. Same problem as Mad Dog; been going for months, but as I constantly return to your blog, I always see your answers. 😉
Thank you, Darya. I’m so glad you got to see a loon and experience the draw of upstate. This and hummus would be great for your blogger picnic, but you also make incredible salads and that eggplant you’re tired of…and you have kiwis! I can’t wait too see what you make. Thanks for weighing in on the comments issue. I’ve had the same problem with other blogs recently. The plugin should work. I miss having you here! Enjoy the picnic.
This is a very delicious dish, I had that when I was in Krackow a year ago as an apedizer, being told this it a recipe from Georgia.
Yes! I think in Georgia they add some sweeter ingredients too and some spices but I had a Georgian friend make something very similar for me in college. It’s as versatile as pate and aspic, etc. Nice to see you! Xo
I agree, I love eating outside!!
At the park, on a balcony, on my steps – just being outside makes me incredibly happy.
This would have been a nice lil treat to the day party we had on Jimmys balcony on Labor Day.
Nom nom nom!!
Thanks, Dana! I have a fire escape to eat on but my super said he’d call FDNY on me if he saw me in it. So I use the stoop when not in the mountains. Perfect balcony food though you’re right!!