Festive Goat Cheese Food

FESTIVE GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Put the packages of goat cheese in the freezer to harden slightly, about 15 minutes.
• Spread the dill out on a cutting board to dry for a few minutes. Mix together the cranberries and pistachios on another part of the cutting board.
• Remove the cheese logs from the freezer and take them out of the package. Gently roll one log over the dill, coating it almost completely. Do the same with the second log, rolling it in the cranberries and pistachios. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill until time to serve.
• Serve with crackers.

THE FIERY GOAT

Steps:

• In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, combine the olive oil, garlic and onion. Cook over high heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the onion starts to soften, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Pour in the wine and let it reduce for about 1 minute while stirring. Add the tomatoes, roasted peppers and a dash of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the liquid has cooked off, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
• Top the tomato and pepper mixture with the goat cheese, lightly pressing the slices into the sauce. Broil until the cheese is deep golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle over the parsley and lemon zest. Serve hot with crostini and crackers to dip.

FRIED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a medium pot heat canola oil to at least 375 degrees. Using hot water to keep the knife clean cut the goat cheese log into 1-inch circles. Have 3 separate dishes, one with the flour, one with 2 eggs beaten, and 1 with the breadcrumbs. Dip one round first into the flour and shake off the excess. Next, dip the round into the beaten egg, and then into the breadcrumbs. Repeat process until all rounds are coated with the breadcrumbs. Carefully fry the rounds in the oil until golden brown, approximately 30 seconds. Drain rounds on paper towels. Serve rounds topped with a little honey.