Marinated Manchego Cheese With Herbs And Orange Zest Food

MARINATED MANCHEGO CHEESE

Steps:

• Cut the cheese into bite sized pieces (1-inch by 1-inch). Leave the cheese's rind on. It acts as a stabilizer for the cheese pieces (don't worry if your cheese doesn't have the rind. This recipe will still work out. It is just more helpful and fancier when the rind is left).
• Mix together the oil, peppercorns, garlic, and herbs. Pour over cheese in a small bowl. Cover and chill for up to 3 days.

SPANISH ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH ORANGE AND MANCHEGO CHEESE

Steps:

• In large pot of lightly salted boiling water blanch the asparagus spears until green, about 2-3 minutes but no longer. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
• Peel the oranges and cut up into bite-size segments. Save one half of one orange for juicing and zesting.
• In a non-reactive small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, orange zest and 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk together and set aside.
• In a large salad bowl combine the cooked asparagus, red onion, orange segments, tomatoes, and lettuce. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently to coat.
• Add shaved manchego to each salad serving if desired.
• Serve with crusty bread.

MEDITERRANEAN MARINATED CHEESE

Steps:

• Cube cream cheese into 36 pieces.
• Place on serving tray.
• Combine remaining ingredients.
• Pour dressing over cheese and toss lightly.
• Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

MARINATED GOAT CHEESE WITH GARLIC, BASIL AND ORANGE ZEST

Steps:

• Cut goat cheese into 1/2 inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer in a pie plate ot baking dish.
• In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, peppercorns and allspice berries.
• In a small bowl, combine the garlic, ginger, basil and orange zest.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook until the peppercorns begin to pop, about 2 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the garlic mixture. After 5 seconds of stirring, pour the hot mixture over the goat cheese.
• Marinate in the refrigerator at least 3 hours.
• To serve, transfer the chilled cheese to a serving plate. Serve at room temperature with crackers.