Almond Mushroom Pate

Ingredients:

• 2 T Margarine
• 1 x Sm Onion, chopped (1/4 c)
• 1 x Clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 c Sliced Mushrooms (4 oz)
• 1/2 t Tarragon
• 1 c Blanched Whole Almonds(6 oz)
• 1 T Lemon juice
• 2 t Soy Sauce
• 1 ds White Pepper
• 2 T Cream Cheese, opt. *

Preparation:

• In a large skillet, melt margarine.
• Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
• Saute until tender but not browned.
• Add tarragon, stir until it is softened.
• Pour mixture into a bowl of food processor.
• Add remaining ingredients.
• Process until mixture is smooth.
• Add cheese if you prefer a more spreadable consistency.
• Spoon into a serving bowl.
• Top with garnish of your choice.
• Makes 1 1/2 cups.
• People who do not like ordinary pate seem to love this one.
• Vary the herbs and substitute the vegetables as you wish.
• Serve with water crackers, thick slices of crusty French bread, thin slices of whole wheat bread, or unsalted whole wheat crackers.
• May be frozen.
• VARIATIONS: ~ Substitute other vegetables for the mushrooms (maybe broccoli.
• ) ~ Substitute 1/2 t fennel for the tarragon and 1 c whole pecans for the almonds ~ vary the flavor by using other seasonings such as basil, oregano, dillweed, curry powder, or nutmeg.