Tender Baked Chicken Liver Rumaki

This version of these popular little hors d'oeuvres was shared with me by Chef Claude of the Pinetop Country Club chef, here in Arizona. He bakes his rumaki which leaves them still soft and moist when fully cooked rather than a hard, dry lump. My husband and I love this version and can make a meal of them! Since these marinate, you must start them early. Marinating time is not included in the preparation time.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 12-16

Ingredients

• 1  lb chicken liver
• 1  lb bacon (your favorite)
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1  tablespoon Bourbon (optional)

Directions

1. Wash and trim chicken livers; cut each in half. Cut bacon strips in half and precook strips halfway. This is important since otherwise they would not finish cooking in a timely manner when baked. Be sure not to cook the bacon till it is crispy or it will not wrap around the livers properly.
2. Wrap one bacon strip around each liver half. Some people also include a water chestnut half with the liver, but I do not.
3. Fasten bacon around liver with a toothpick.
4. In a bowl or large plastic storage bag, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar and bourbon, if used. Add the prepared rumaki and cover the bowl or seal the bag. Allow to marinate for 6 to 8 hours or two hours at the least. Drain well.
5. Arrange rumaki on a baking sheet with sides. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 1/2 hour or until cooked as desired.