goat cheese

Xtra Peas, Please

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Grocery List Ideas: Xtra Peas, Please. For an appetizer that will elevate any party, think puff pastry smothered in cheese. When these two partners are baked together, the flaky air-filled pastry surrounds the warm gooey cheese adding a depth of gourmet flavor that makes it unforgettable. On occasion I’ve even been known to toss a handful of flash fried pancetta over the top. It adds another layer of texture that makes it melt-in-your-mouth rich, savory, and buttery. Food for thought. 

XTRA PEAS, PLEASE 

Ingredients: 

2 cups frozen peas 

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed 

3/4 cup Gouda cheese, grated 

8 ounces herbed goat cheese 

2 teaspoons Tupelo honey 

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper 

1/2 cup snow peas, trimmed and halved crosswise 

1/2 teaspoon olive oil 

Balsamic glaze, for garnish

Red onion slices, optional

Diced pancetta, optional

Instructions: 

Preheat the oven to 400°. Place a piece of parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet. Set aside. Cook the frozen peas according to package directions; drain and set aside to cool. For the crust, roll out the puff pastry and place it on the parchment paper. Using a fork, score a border all the way around the edge of the pastry, about 3/4 inch. Use the fork tines to prick the pastry inside the border. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded Gouda cheese. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the goat cheese, Tupelo honey, one cup of the cooked peas, kosher salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth and green in color. Spread the goat cheese mixture on the cooled tart. Sprinkle with the remaining cooked peas. In a medium bowl, gently toss the snow peas in olive oil. Arrange them over the top. Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, red onion slices, and diced pancetta. Serve. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter G

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Sunshine Eats: Goat Cheese Wonton Appetizers! If you want an amazing appetizer that can be made in a flash, look no further. We’re all pretty familiar with those tiny pastry cups located in the freezer section of the supermarket. But have you seen the price? It’s ridiculous. Back away and take a turn to the dairy aisle instead. Pick up a package of wonton wrappers, a roll of goat cheese, a block of cream cheese, and a jar of bacon jam.* In no time at all, these festive cuties will have “party” written all over them. Remember, you’re allowed one taste-test, but fight the urge to eat any more than that before the guests arrive. 
GOAT CHEESE WONTON APPETIZERS 
Ingredients:

48 wonton wrappers, 12-ounce package 

4-ounce goat cheese

4-ounce cream cheese

12-ounce jar bacon jam*
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Coat two 12-cup mini-muffin pans with nonstick oil. Cut corners off wonton wrappers to make an octagon shape. Using your fingers, gently press one wrapper into each cup. Press down without puncturing dough. Lightly spritz wrappers with cooking oil. Bake until golden brown, 8-9 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Transfer cups to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining wrappers. Meanwhile, combine goat cheese and cream cheese. Blend until smooth. Drop by scant spoonful in each wonton cup. Top with a dollop of bacon ham. Place the appetizers on a baking sheet. Bake filled wontons for 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Serve warm. 
*To make your own Bacon Jam, use the following link. 

https://snapshotsincursive.com/2017/04/14

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter G

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Goat Cheese Baked in an Herb Crust! This elegant appetizer is the perfect compliment for an intimate gathering. The soft creamy cheese spreads nicely on bagel chips and water biscuits. I serve it together with shrimp cocktail and Sauvignon Blanc simply because of its aromatic uniqueness. 
GOAT CHEESE BAKED in an HERB CRUST
Ingredients:

8 ounce Goat Cheese Log

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Herbs:

1 tablespoon oregano 

1 tablespoon basil

1 tablespoon marjoram 

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon minced onion

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°. Combine herbs and sprinkle on a piece of waxed paper. Gently roll the cheese log in the herb mixture to coat it completely. Place goat cheese in a covered baker and drizzle with olive oil. Bake covered until softened, about 15-20 minutes. For a crusty top, brown for a few minutes more under the broiler. 
***Leftovers are a delicious substitute for mozzarella in the recipe for Letter C, Caprese Salad.