Goat Cheese Spreads

Served at a party, this one cheese flavored three different ways gives you and your guests delicious options.

Pesto Goat Cheese Spread:

• 6 to 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
• ½ cup Pesto, store bought or homemade
• ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, mash goat cheese with a fork. Add pesto, toasted pine nuts, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. Serve with crackers or crostini.

Sun Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Spread:

• 6 to 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
• ½ cup chopped oil packed sun dried tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, mash goat cheese with a fork. Add sun dried tomatoes, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. Serve with crackers or crostini.

Blue Cheese and Toasted Pecan Goat Cheese Spread:

• 6 to 8 ounces goat cheese, softened
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• ¼ cup toasted pecans, chopped
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, mash goat cheese with a fork. Mix in blue cheese, pecans, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. Serve with crackers or crostini.

Note: To toast pecans or pine nuts, place ¼ cup of nuts in a small skillet over medium heat on the stove, shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant and just starting to darken, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.