From Better Homes and Gardens

French for pie, pate is a smooth, well-seasoned mixture of ground meats served chilled as an appetizer.

Chicken and Mushroom Pate

From Better Homes and Gardens

Made with ground veal and beef, this elegant appetizer is great for cocktail parties as well as picnics. When the pate is sliced, each piece should show the layers of vegetables and egg.

Layered Picnic Pate

From Better Homes and Gardens

A variety of fresh mushrooms are widely available. Try giant portobello, mild crimini, or woodsy shiitake mushrooms in this appetizing low-calorie recipe.

Mushroom Pate

From Better Homes and Gardens

Lemon grass, an herb used to flavor Thai soups and teas, has a mild citrus taste. In this recipe, the herb works with cilantro, garlic, and a fresh chile to give shrimp spread Asian-style flavors.

Lemongrass Shrimp Pate

From Vegetarian Times

A hint of peanut butter holds the pate together and makes it more spreadable. Feel free to substitute your favorite nut butter. This recipe was a winner in our 2008 Restaurant Poll, and is a popular spread at Lovin' Spoonfuls restaurant in Tuscon, Arizona.

Cashew-Mushroom Pate

From Vegetarian Times

This recipe comes courtesy of Seattle's celebrated veg restaurant Cafe Flora. A perennial favorite among Cafe Flora diners, the spread is served with gherkins, apple slices, marinated olives, and crackers made by a local bakery.

Lentil-Pecan Pate