Foie gras, the fattened liver of a waterfowl, namely a duck or a goose, is produced by a special feeding process.
As 1999 comes to a close and echoes of past festivities hint at the expectations for the coming century, few delicacies embody the quintessential spirit of the millennium as does foie gras. This penultimate luxury is typically associated with the decadent triumvirate of foie gras, truffles, and caviar. These days any self-respecting restaurant menu will offer some variation of a foie gras dish, from a perfectly delicate terrine slice to a succulently seared morsel with a plethora of fruit accompaniments. New Year’s Eve celebrants would not even dream of ringing in the New Year without a little foie gras.
Foie gras is almost always assumed to be a French product. After all, foie gras is the French word that means, “fattened liver.” During the Christmas holidays, French tables are laden with many delicacies, including terrines and cured foie gras. Gascony is the heartland of duck and goose foie gras production. For the French, foie gras is not just a familiar ingredient, but an intricate part of the historical and cultural heritage of the people.
Outside France, there exists a different story. While most people have heard of “paté”, few know what it is exactly, how it relates to foie gras, and what are the proper handling and preparation techniques. The intensive labor and time required to produce foie gras ensures that it maintains a romantic and exclusive reputation. As an expensive commodity, foie gras can be intimidating for the home cook. In truth, foie gras is one of the most fascinating, versatile and simple ingredients that can showcase a chef’s talent and enliven any amateur’s repertoire. Flip through my reference book, Foie Gras…A Passion, and you will discover some amazing facts as well as dazzling photographs of the possibilities that foie gras affords.
Foie gras, the fattened liver of a waterfowl, namely a duck or a goose, is produced by a special feeding process. Physiologically, ducks and geese possess an anatomy that allows their bodies to store excess fat in the liver naturally, in preparation for long winter flights from northern Europe to the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and the Nile river basins. It was actually the Egyptians who recognized goose meat as a delicacy, particularly fattened geese, over 5000 years ago. In fact, ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics on the Tomb of Mereruka in Saqqara depict household scenes of servants force-feeding geese with grains. Two thousand years later, the Romans in trying to fatten geese for the prized flesh began to recognize the fattened liver as a delicacy in its own right. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Ashkenazi Jews of Western and Central Europe preserved the art of making foie gras and eventually reintroduced it to Renaissance Europeans
Today, foie gras is produced in France, Hungary, Poland, Israel, Canada, and the United States. Most of the European and Israeli production provides for the consumption needs of France. Until recently, raw poultry importation restrictions prohibited the sale of European foie gras in the United States. In response, Hudson Valley Foie Gras was created to tap into the relatively unexplored American market of rising chef talent and consumer sophistication. With a production schedule exceeding 7000 livers per week, Hudson Valley foie gras is a recognizable presence on most menus.
Historically, foie gras was derived exclusively from fattened geese. Over the last fifteen years, however, most foie gras has been produced from ducks, moulard ducks specifically. Geese are more difficult to raise and are more susceptible to disease and stress. In either case, foie gras is a luxurious item. The liver is characterized by two lobes, putty beige in color, and slightly firm to the touch. Foie gras livers can weigh upwards of two pounds, with the average falling around a pound and a half. About 80 percent of a foie gras is comprised of fat, which makes it a very versatile product, suitable to a wide range of preparations, including grilling, searing, and roasting. The high fat content is frequently a cause of concern for eaters, but in truth, foie gras is such a luxurious item, you would have to consume an incredible amount, far more than you are likely to do, for it to have an adverse health effect.
Prior to cooking, foie gras needs minimal handling. Raw foie gras is vacuum-sealed in plastic bags. It needs to be rinsed briefly, then carefully deveined of the large veins that run through the center of each lobe. It can be marinated overnight in port, Sauternes, or any other sweet libation. Some chefs soak it in milk, claiming it helps to remove the blood. Cleaning foie gras is of particular concern when making a terrine, which is essentially paté and is named for the rectangular mold in which it is baked. Since the finished product depends on the pale, creamy color of the foie gras, any residual blood will discolor the terrine. The flavor will not be effected however, but aesthetically, the terrine will not be as pleasant.
Conversely, high-heat foie gras preparations, such as grilling, roasting, poaching, and searing, are not as effected aesthetically by less careful deveining since they result in foie gras that is richly browned on the outside, and lusciously molten on the inside. One of the simplest ways to enjoy the true magnificence of foie gras is to simply slice the liver into three-quarter inch slices, season it liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and sear the slices in a very hot, dry pan for 45 seconds on each side. It is that simple! The liver will be medium rare on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and heavenly all around.
The flavor of foie gras is quite sumptuous. It is at once velvety on the palate and with meaty overtones. Europeans have a longstanding tradition of enjoying a slice of terrine, chilled, with a garnish of salad and a glass of Sauternes or a similar sweet, bodied wine. In the United States, culinary preparations have always favored hot foie gras, accompanied by a symphony of garnishes from sweet stewed fruits to savory relishes. In any case, the cloying luxury of the liver demands an appropriate acidic balance and a complement of texture. The wine pairing of foie gras has also favored diversity and an awareness of dominant flavors. The philosophy of matching wines is “anything goes” which includes full-bodied cabernets, citrusy Champagnes, and aged sauvignon blancs. Occasionally, even a good beer or chilled sake could be appropriate.
One could say, discussing foie gras is my passion. However, there is only so much to be gained from reading. The best way to learn about foie gras is to eat it as often as possible. With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, and an attitude of new beginnings burgeoning, foie gras is the essential ingredient for any celebration. One of life’s spectacular indulgences, it is also accessible to everyone.
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Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar was built by Hong Kong-based Yats International in 2000 to provide a world-class fine dining restaurant, business meeting facilities and venues for private dinners and functions in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone. Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines was selected for this restaurant because of safety, clean air, absence of traffic and proximity to Manila and Subic.
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Getting to this fine dining restaurant of Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Pampanga Philippines
How to get to this fine-dining restaurant in Clark Philippines? Once you get to Clark Freeport, go straight until you hit Mimosa. After you enter Mimosa, stay on the left on Mimosa Drive, go past the Holiday Inn and Yats Restaurant (green top, independent 1-storey structure) is on your left. Just past the Yats Restaurant is the London Pub.
Source: http://www.hudsonvalleyfoiegras.com/ft3.html
