Lise's Pâté D'campagne

My French Canadian mother-in-law gave me this recipe. She makes this once a year and gives each of her kids' families one or two loaves. We covet these like gold. She says this makes two loaves. If you are making this in regular loaf pans instead of the thinner pâté pans, it will likely not make two loaves filled all the way. You could fill the regular loaf pans just to half in order to get the two loaves or double the recipe. If you fill the regular loaf pans, this is very rich, so when you cut the loaf, you might want to halve each slice for a serving.

• Ready In: 6 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 80
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs sausage, without casings
• 1⁄2 lb ground beef
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 1  teaspoon thyme
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon sage
• 2  tablespoons cognac
• 2  boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in thin slices
• 2  pork loin, cut in thin slices

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a bowl, mix together first seven ingredients. Set aside.
3. Using either a pâté pan or loaf pan, put a layer of the mix you made, then a layer of chicken, then mix again, then a layer of pork. Continue with this pattern until the pan is full, making sure to end with the mix.
4. Place 3 bay leaves over the top and cover with aluminum.
5. Place a casserole pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven.
6. Place pâté pans on the top rack and cook for six hours.
7. Check to make sure you keep water in the water bath, adding some as needed.
8. After the six hours, pull from oven and carefully drain oil and fat.
9. Place newspaper and cooling racks on the counter. Turn pâtés onto racks, allowing to drip.
10. Let pâtés cool completely then wrap in aluminum foil and freeze in freezer bags.
11. Important, this is best if you allow it to remain in the freezer for at least one month before eating.
12. To serve, allow to defrost completely, then slice in 1/4 inch slices and serve with good crusty french bread or high quality crackers.