Herb Marinated Cheese Food

MARINATED GOAT CHEESE WITH GARLIC AND THYME

Steps:

• Cut goat cheese log into 4 equal pieces; form into balls, if desired.
• Add 1 cup olive oil into a a sterilized wide-necked jar. Add chili flakes, fennel seed and peppercorns. Add the goat cheese balls one at a time, adding a little olive oil between each one so they are fully immersed. Add lemon zest, bay leaves, thyme and garlic to jar. Pour in enough olive oil to fully cover cheese. Seal jar and refrigerate for at least a few hours (we found it best after 2 days). Lasts for up to 2 weeks.

MARINATED CHEESE

Steps:

• In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the olive oil, wine vinegar, pimento, parsley, green onion, garlic, sugar, basil, salt and pepper. Shake vigorously to blend. Set aside.
• Cut the block of Cheddar cheese in half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices to form squares. Repeat with cream cheese. Arrange cheese squares alternately in a shallow baking dish with slices standing on edge. You can arrange in a single long row, or 2 parallel rows depending on the size of your dish. Pour the marinade from the jar over the cheese slices, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
• To serve, remove slices to a serving platter so they are still arranged in an alternating pattern. Spoon some of the extra marinade over the cheese, and serve with crackers.

MARINATED HERB CHEESE APPETIZER

Steps:

• 1. Cut cheeses into 1/4 inch squares then in half again Arrange slices on their ends, alternating one piece cheddar then one piece cream cheese. Make sure cheese is very cold before slicing or it may be necessary to spread the cream cheese over the cheddar with a knife.
• 2. Mince garlic and dice pimentos (red peppers), finely chop fresh herbs. Combine herbs, and peppers in a small bowl, add all remaining ingredients, blend well to combine Salt and pepper to taste
• 3. Pour marinade over arranged cheese, cover and refrigerate overnight. There will be a lot of liquid at first but it will absorb into the cheese during the marinating process. Serve with crackers and french bread slices

HERB MARINATED CHEESE

Steps:

• Cut the cheese crosswise into 1/2-inch slices, and arrange on a serving platter.
• Sprinkle with onion, herbs, and red-pepper flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
• Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Serve with sliced bread.

HERB-MARINATED FETA AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Combine cumin, coriander, and crushed red pepper in heavy small skillet over medium-high heat. Shake skillet gently until spices are fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to bowl. Add garlic, orange peel, and oil and stir to combine. Mix in olives, basil, and cilantro. Gently stir in feta. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 day. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Keep refrigerated.) Bring olive and cheese mixture to room temperature before serving.
• Transfer mixture to bowl and place on platter. Surround with baguette slices.

HERB & GARLIC MARINATED FETA

Steps:

• Mix into a jar with a good seal (eg. approx 200g glass coffee jar) 1/2 cup of oil and all other ingredients, except Feta Cheese.
• Cut Feta into approximately 2cm cubes. Add cubes to jar, a few at a time and then swirl oil to coat cheese.
• When as much cheese is in jar that will fit, cap jar and invert a few times to coat cheese thoroughly, then top up with more oil til all cheese is coated. Invert jar a few more times and refrigerate.
• The Olive Oil will solidify when refrigerated. Use in salads or serve at room temperature with crusty bread. Reserve marinated oil to use in dressings.
• Marinate for at least 24 hours, will keep in refrigerator for up to 2 months.

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.

MARINATED GREEK FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Place feta cheese in a bowl.
• In a jar with a tight fitting lid, add all the other ingredients and cap jar.
• Shake until well blended.
• Pour over feta and stir gently as not to break up cubes.
• Divide mixture between 2 half pint jars with lids.
• Store in the fridge for up to a week.
• To serve, let cheese come to room temp for about 30 minutes.
• Serve with assorted crackers, chips or crisp breads.
• Makes 2 half pint jars.
• To serve as a spread, mash cheese with some of the marinade to desired thickness.

MARINATED CHEESE WITH HERBS AND OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• Cut into 1/2-inch rounds, slices, or wedges: 6 ounces goat or feta cheese.
• Place in a nonreactive container and add: 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 to 4 thyme sprigs, 2 to 3 bay leaves.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 day or up to 1 week.
• Variations
• Use different herbs such as rosemary, marjoram, oregano, savory, or hyssop.
• Add a couple of dried hot peppers for a bit of heat.
• Add some whole spices such as black peppercorns, fennel, anise, cumin, or coriander.
• Add 1/4 cup rinsed and drained niçoise olives with the herbs.
• Gently cook 2 or 3 peeled, halved garlic cloves in half of the olive oil until tender but not brown. Let the oil cool and pour over the cheese with the cooked garlic and the remaining oil.
• Remove the cheese from the oil, pat dry breadcrumbs all over the surface, and toast in a hot oven until brown and crisp, about 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with a garlicky salad.