Preheat oven to 160°C fan forced. Lightly grease a 25cm x 9cm (1.5 litre-capacity) loaf pan. Arrange 10 strips of bacon across the base, slightly overlapping. Line the ends with 4 slices each.

In a large bowl combine the garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, chicken, pork, pistachios, cranberries, thyme, egg, brandy, if using, salt and pepper. Using clean hands work the mixture together, making sure all ingredients are combined. Place one third of mixture into the lined tin. Place eggs, upside down, along the centre of the terrine, trimming the ends if necessary.

Press the remaining mince on top of the eggs. Lay the overhanging bacon over the mince, pressing down. Cover or wrap the terrine with foil and place into a baking dish. Pour hot water to come halfway up the tin. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until juices run clear when tested with a skewer. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then carefully drain any excess liquid off the terrine and turn out of the tin. And place on a large, lined baking tray.

Increase oven to 200°C fan forced. Brush bacon with maple and bake for a further 10 minutes, or until golden. Set aside to cool. Refrigerate overnight.

To serve unmould and slice. Serve with chervil.