Herb And Lemon Goat Cheese Spread 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 AND LEMON GOAT CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Place goat cheese in small bowl. Mix thyme, lemon peel and garlic in another small bowl; season with ground 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. Surround cheese with baguette slices and serve.

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.

HERBED GOAT-CHEESE SANDWICH SPREAD

Steps:

• Combine goat cheese, parsley, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Puree until smooth and well combined. Transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate until needed, up to 4 days.

HERBED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Find a small, wide-mouth canning jar or small glass vase (3 1/2 inches in diameter by 4 inches high), just large enough to hold the two goat cheeses on top of each other with a little room to spare. Cut each cheese in half horizontally, making 2 rounds from each. (A piece of dental floss makes this easier.)
• Place half of the first disk flat in the jar, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then with 1/2 teaspoon dill, 1 teaspoon basil, and a few red pepper flakes, and drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Place another disk of cheese on top and repeat the seasonings, herbs, and oil. Continue with the remaining cheese disks, piling one on top of the other with oil and seasonings in between. When all the disks are stacked and seasoned, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top. Cover and set aside at room temperature for one hour or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Serve at room temperature with bread or crackers for people to help themselves.