Goat Cheese Spread With Herbs And Olive Oil Food

GARLICKY HERBED GOAT CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a mini food processor. Pulse until just whipped and blended (and the herbs are well-distributed in small, even pieces), scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice if needed. Transfer the goat cheese spread to a serving bowl (I like to place it off-center, as seen in the photos above), using the back of a large spoon to create a divet and swoosh.
• Just before serving, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with several dill fronds. This goat cheese spread is best served right away, but can be prepared in advance and stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Store in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
• If you do not have a mini food processor or don't wish to use one: before proceeding, finely chop the herbs (it is especially important for the goat cheese to be at room temperature if mixing by hand) and mix everything together with a spoon or spatula until well incorporated. *I prefer to use a mini food processor, because it is quick, fast, and incorporates a little air into the goat cheese, creating a slightly whipped, lighter texture.

HERB COATED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy baking sheets. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the bread slices. Bake until the crostini are pale golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir the herbs, lemon zest, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. Using about 2 teaspoons of cheese for each, form the goat cheese into 1-inch diameter balls. Roll the cheese balls in the herb mixture to coat completely. Arrange the cheese balls on a platter. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over and around the cheese balls. Serve with the crostini. Garnish with herb sprigs.
• The crostini and cheese balls can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate the cheese balls.

HERB AND LEMON GOAT CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Place goat cheese in small bowl.
• Mix thyme, lemon peel and garlic in another small bowl. Season with black pepper.
• Mix half of thyme mixture into goat cheese.
• Add olive oil to remaining half of thyme mixture.
• Form cheese into 2 1/2-inch round; flatten slightly.
• Place in center of plate. Spoon oil-thyme mixture over top of cheese.
• Serve with toasted baguette slices.

LEMON-HERB OLIVES WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a small skillet, combine the first 5 ingredients; heat over medium heat just until fragrant, 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in olives; heat through, allowing flavors to blend. Cool completely., To serve, place cheese on a serving plate. Stir basil into olive mixture; spoon over cheese. Serve with crackers.

MARINATED GOAT CHEESE SPREAD / DIP

Steps:

• Arrange cheese in a shallow dish in a single layer. Scatter olives, sundried tomatoes and basil over and around it.
• In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and pepper. Pour over cheese.
• Marinate a few hours in the fridge or overnight. Serve at room temperature with grilled or fresh bread.