Step 1

Trim and clean the chicken livers (or ask your butcher to do it). Toss in the salt, pepper and four spice mix on a plate. Heat the fat in a pan. When hot, fry the livers for 1 minute on either side. Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon and deglaze the pan with the Madeira and brandy. It will probably flambé a bit, so stand back!

Step 2

Pour the juices over the livers, then purée in a food processor. Add the egg yolk and butter and blitz again until very smooth. Check the seasoning. You might want more salt or pepper. Don’t add any more booze. Chill it in a storage box or terrine mould until set. If serving as a starter, serve on toast with some cornichons.