Fegatini

During the era of Catherine de’ Medici (1519–1589), wife of Henry II of France, all innards, including chicken livers, were thought to be aphrodisiacs. This dish would have been embellished with cockscomb and wattle.

These days, sautéed chicken livers may be presented whole on bruschetta, or puréed or chopped (as in this recipe, with onions, anchovies, garlic, and sage) and spread on crostini. Dredging in flour before cooking ensures that the livers brown nicely, and a splash of Mar