This was the second pairing for my Happy Hour Collaboration with The Quail & Olive and Big Sur Vineyards. Created for our Heart Happy Hour, this is the perfect mostly hands-off appetizer for any casual dinner party or a date night in. The best part about this: how easy and flexible this dish can be. This version pairs the earthy creaminess of chevre with the sweetness of cherries in syrup and the rich tangy kick of a cherry balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
8 ounces soft goat cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch each of ground nutmeg, ginger, clove, and allspice
1/3 cup Doctor's Blend Olive Oil (on The Quail & Olive)
2-3 Tablespoons Amarena Cherry Balsamic Vinegar (on The Quail & Olive)
1/2 teaspoon Tutto Calabria Bruschetta Seasoning
freshly ground black pepper
salt, if needed (I don't usually add salt)
Amarena Toschi Italian Black Cherries in Syrup for garnish
Also needed: crackers or bread
Procedure
Blend spices into cheese, then spread the cheese over the bottom of shallow bowl or rimmed plate. Sprinkle with Bruschetta Seasoning and black pepper. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Let stand for, at least, 15 minutes before serving. But leaving it for at least an hour is preferable. Scatter black cherries over the top.
Serve with your favorite cracker or bread.