French for fatty liver, this decadent, expensive food product is made by using a controversial force-feeding process known as gavage, in which corn is fed to ducks and geese (primarily to the hybrid male Mulard ducks) through a feeding tube.
The livers of birds which are force-fed in this way are enlarged and full of a buttery, slightly sweet fat. Foie gras is prepared by melting the livers in their own juices with a sprinkle of salt, resulting in a supple product. Usually served chilled and in scoops or slices, the texture is similar to that of ice cream.
Try it chilled on a piece of toast paired with a few fresh figs. Foie gras is primarily produced in the French regions of Alsace and Périgord, and according to French law, only foie gras made from force-fed ducks or geese can be called foie gras.