Category Archives: Appetizer

Baked Goat Cheese, Toast and Green Salad | Chez Panise Inspired

Baked Goat Cheese, Toast and Green Salad | Chez Panise Inspired

Ever Wondered How to Serve Goat Cheese?

Here’s a simple and extremely delicious way to enjoy goat’s cheese. It’s some of the best of whole food, clean eating and fresh seasonal produce all in one serving. I find a small amount of high quality cheese, rather than a big glob of melted, stretchy and heart attack inducing ordinary cheese, an easy sacrifice to make. If you’re dairy-free by choice or circumstance, I understand, but, if not, let’s all get aboard this flavor train. Next stop, pure deliciousness!

What Wine to Pair with Chevre, or, Goat Cheese?

All goat cheeses, called chevre (Pronounced “Shev”)(French for goat) have in common is an unmistakable flavor—a bright, tangy, and a little barnyard-like. This makes a perfect pairing with Sauvignon Blanc wine to serve with goat cheese. The unique earthiness, plus the seductively soft texture, is what makes goat cheese such a delicious addition to so many dishes. If you need more reason to go goat, consider this—goat’s milk is more easily digestible than cow’s, and so can be a good choice for the lactose intolerant. Plus, it’s lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol.

Baked goat cheese recipe at www.mysweetcalifornialife.com

How Goat Cheese Became Popular in California Cuisine.

Thanks to the legendary chef and founder at Chez Panisse , Alice Waters in 1971, and the exceptional cheese maker, Laura Chenel, in nearby Sonoma, goat cheese might not have become a California Cuisine mainstay. This was in the early 1970’s, and nearly 50 years ago. Who else would have invented goat cheese used on salads and pizzas? It was because Laura, after training in France, brought her European style goat cheese to Alice Waters to sample. There was a standing order for Laura from Chez Panisse after that. Although there are many cheese producers in Sonoma County, Laura’s cheese is still considered truly exceptional on a local as well as an international level.

 Why Bake Goat Cheese?

In case you’re wondering, why would you bake goat cheese? It’s because it releases more flavor when it’s warm and creamy! It’s the same reason most people bake brie cheese, or insist on having melted cheese on pizza. It’s irresistible! Try this easy recipe for an appetizer or after dinner or dessert course (if you like European culture) or along with seasonal fresh fruit. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do!

Baked Goat Cheese, Garlic Toast and Green Salad | Chez Panise Inspired
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Easy dish traditional for California Cuisine!
Author:
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: Californian
Serves:: 4
Ingredients:
  • 4 Rounds of fresh goat cheese, each about 2½ inches in diameter and about ½ inch thick
  • 1 t Dried thyme
  • 1 C Fine, fresh bread crumbs
  • 3 C Mixed Lettuce, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 T Olive Oil
  • 3T Red wine vinegar
  • ¼ t Kosher sea salt
  • Pinch of Freshly ground black pepper
  • 16 sml Toasted bread slices (4 pieces of toast cut into quarters after rubbing with garlic cloves)
  • 4-6 peeled, halved garlic cloves
  • Fresh figs, seedless grapes or sliced fresh pears for example, can also be served with this (optional)
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a small jar, combine olive oil, salt and pepper; shake well and cover with a tight fitting lid and set aside until needed
  3. Unwrap and cut goat cheese rounds and coat them all over in a small bowl with a combined mix of breadcrumbs and dried thyme.
  4. Put rounds in an oiled 8 x 8 inch baking dish and place in the oven.
  5. Bake 6 -10 minutes at 400F degrees, or until cheese is lightly bubbling and golden.
  6. Meanwhile, toast bread and rub with garlic cloves on one side.
  7. Serve the cheese on warm plates surrounded by garlic toast slices.
  8. Serve with a salad dressed with the simple vinaigrette dressing.

If you want more deliciousness, see our recipe gallery next.

The Perfect Cheese and Fruit Appetizer Platter– And which wines to serve with it!

The Perfect Cheese and Fruit Appetizer Platter– And which wines to serve with it!

Casually created from a combination of cheese wedges, fresh seasonal fruit, nuts, and a fresh herb garnish. There is an art to creating the perfect cheese and fruit plate. Let’s start with the cheese: For an average platter, 3 types of cheese works well. You’ll want an assortment so everyone can find something they like.… Continue Reading

Cheesy Sweet Pea Truffle Toast Appetizers – When you’ve just got to have a little cheese!

Cheesy Sweet Pea Truffle Toast Appetizers – When you’ve just got to have a little cheese!

Beautiful, and healthy! These appetizers are so delicious and unexpected. Your guests will ask what these are, then ask again for the recipe after they’ve taken a bite. So good!  It doesn’t really matter that you defrosted frozen peas and whirled them around with a couple other ingredients while the French bread was toasting! Easy,… Continue Reading

Olive Edamame Rosemary Walnut Appetizer

Olive Edamame Rosemary Walnut Appetizer

So quick and versatile! Great as an addictive snack, or as an appetizer when entertaining! Or, mix with cooked whole grain penne pasta or mixed salad greens and a chopped tomato, for an easy and fantastic high protein side dish. Since olives are cured in salt, these can taste too salty unless you rinse them… Continue Reading

Sweet Potato Nut Butter Kiwi Appetizers

Sweet Potato Nut Butter Kiwi Appetizers

Check out these fun and tasty appetizers! Sweet potatoes are a good source of nutrients like vitamin C and manganese, plus they provide filling fiber. They are also an excellent source of antioxidants—plus, the phytonutrients in sweet potatoes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. To top it off, you’ll also add fiber-rich kiwifruit and… Continue Reading

Creamy, Crispy “No-cheese” Vegetarian Quesadillas

Creamy, Crispy “No-cheese” Vegetarian Quesadillas

Live it up! Besides the tortillas, isn’t a quesadilla usually made with cheese? Cheese and prawns, or, cheese and chicken are what one usually expects from a quesadilla. So, O.K., I did compromise by adding a little cream cheese to the recipe, I admit it! However, my intention was to devise the most delicious and… Continue Reading

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