A "pâté" (pah-TAY) is simply a paste of meat and a fat. It can be super fancy, or, as in this recipe, super simple. Guaranteed to impress your guests. Try this next time your are looking for a 'fancy' or special appetizer that requires next to no effort. This is a basic German-style country dish. If you can't obtain a smoked liver sausage, braunschweiger or regular liver sausage will still give you a tasty dish.
I personally do not enjoy liver - but I love this dish and so will you, even if you don't care for liver either...
Whether I serve this to my guests on toast points, or just whip some up to enjoy with Triscuits, I am always amazed at how the simple dishes can please a diner.
I like to use a simple, local smoked liver sausage as a base, apple smoked, lean bacon and a sweet (Vidalia or a Texas 1040) onion.