Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Ga Ga for Goat Cheese

Cinnamon. Pecan. Goat Cheese.

Oh, yes I did.

Yesterday I made myself a little snack that, incidentally, could also serve as an impressively festive appetizer for a holiday party.

I already disclosed the secret ingredient: Cinnamon-Pecan seasoned goat cheese. Holy yum. I mean, what doesn't go well with goat cheese? On second thought, don't answer that. Just know that cinnamon and pecans go with it really well.

On top of my goat cheese slather you'll find the festive portion of the dish: bright red, dried cranberries, and chopped pistachios. 'Tis the season for holiday color coordination.

Perhaps the best part of this little treat was the crazy accessibility of the Cinnamon-Pecan goat cheese. No, I didn't pick it up at a quaint little gourmet food shop. I didn't even find it at Giant Eagle. I discovered this little gem of a cheese at Aldi--the low-price, do-it-yourself mini grocery store. (PS--I also picked up a few rounds of seasonal Brie...oh goodness yes).

Adam returns from his manly hunting trip tomorrow, so I'll try to have a plate of these goat cheese dream boats waiting for him in the fridge. Let's just hope he's as ga ga for goat cheese as I am.

What's your favorite dish to take to a holiday party?

Pistachio & Cranberry Appetizers
(aka "Goat Cheese Dream Boats")

Ingredients:
  • one whole grain baguette, sliced
  • a little Smart Balance
  • Cinnamon-Pecan Goat Cheese (if you don't have any on hand, trust your foodie instinct and mix some up yourself!)
  • Dried cranberries
  • Chopped pistachios
Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spread the top of each baguette slice with a little Smart Balance (or other non-hydrogenated vegan margarine). Toast in oven for about 5 - 7 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Spread each slice with goat cheese and sprinkle with cranberries and pistachios.

9 comments:

  1. Iiiinteresting! I've only had goat cheese plain before... but this sounds uber yummy! I really need to make it a rule not to read food blogs before bed. 10 bucks says I dream of cheese... and maybe lady gaga?

    xoXOxo
    Jenn L @ Peas & Crayons

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  2. This sound soooo good! I love goat cheese and pretty much all those other ingredients so I"m sure I'd love this. I love the great Christmas-y colors too. I definitely want to try this sometime this holiday season!

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  3. Mmmm that looks so good and you've combined so many of my favorite foods into one. I LOVE dried cranberries and pistachios but would have never of thought to put it on top of goat cheese! And you know I'm going to have to put BUTTER on it, hehe! :)

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  4. oo I have a holiday party next week and I might make these! I usually always make a bean dip!

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  5. Ive never had goat cheese, which is crazy since I am a cheese fanatic. I really should just go to the store and buy a bunch of cheeses to try out, thats how much I love cheese lol I love the colors of this though, so perfect for the holidays!!

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  6. I looove this combination! Not sure if you saw this post of mine, but I think we're on the same page! :) - http://www.simplylifeblog.com/2010/11/big-news-goat-cheese-with-pistachios.html

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  7. I love goat cheese! These would be great for our fun holiday party next weekend!

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  8. I am a HUGE Aldi fan. I totally think it is underrated when it comes to things like this {and baking goods...I buy more flour & sugar there}...

    This looks delicious, and I think it would be a fabulous treat for the holidays!

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