Country Terrine

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup finely chopped onion (1 large)
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 lb chicken livers, trimmed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt or 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons Cognac or other brandy
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 lb baked ham (1/2-inch slice), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 lb ground fatty veal (preferably veal breast)
• 1 lb ground fatty pork shoulder or half lean pork and half fresh pork fatback (without rind)
• 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
• 12 bacon slices (about 3/4 lb)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice or 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Accompaniments: cornichons; mustard; bread or crackers