Over the course of the next several weeks I will be heading back to two of my happy places. From ocean to mountain views, to exploring historic places, to spending time with friends, the anticipation of it all is keeping me awake at night. While my bucket list of places I would someday like to visit is long, the joy I feel when returning to beloved places is almost indescribable. Invariably there is always something new to discover or experience in the places feeling as intimately familiar to me as the town I live in. In spite of being one 'of those people' who likes trips with plans (always a plan a and plan b), my daily itineraries are still in development. Not because of procrastination, but because there are quite a few things I hope to squeeze in on these trips. If only the airline froze their rules sometime in 90's, I could bring a few bottles of my favorite wine and all of the ingredients for this Whipped Goat Cheese w/ Honey Balsamic Fig Jam Crostini. As this appetizer would make the perfect start to any trip, to any weekend, to any gathering.
If there was one new appetizer to add to your entertaining repertoire this year, it should be absolutely be this Whipped Goat Cheese w/ Honey Balsamic Fig Jam Crostini!
Not only is it easy to make, it's incredibly delicious. It's the kind of appetizer that can literally be whipped up in less than ten minutes.
Chevre goat cheese has a bright, slightly tart, tangy flavor. When whipped with some extra virgin olive oil and drizzled with honey, the contrast of flavors is sublime. Whipping the goat cheese transforms it into the creamiest, dreamiest texture. Ideal for spreading on homemade crostini or crackers.
While the whipped chevre goat cheese topped with honey is scrumptious all on its' own, it's becomes epic when topped with a warm honey, an aged balsamic vinegar, fig jam mixture. Chopped praline pecans (or roasted pecans), flaky sea salt, and freshly chopped thyme leaves are the ideal finishing touches.
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When buying chevre goat cheese, fig jam and praline pecans, Trader Joe's is my go to place. No worries if you don't have one near you, because all of these ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. If you can't find praline pecans, you have two options. You can make them (see notes) or you can simply roast pecan halves in your oven. The pecans add a nice bit of crunch to each bite.
Homemade crostini can be made in the oven or on the grill. A baguette cut into 1/4" slices and brushed on both sides with olive oil is easily made either way. But again, if you don't have time to make your own crostini, serve the Whipped Goat Cheese w/ Honey Balsamic Fig Jam with some of your favorite crackers. Because when it comes to this appetizer, choose what brings you joy!
The creamy whipped chevre goat cheese topped with honey balsamic fig jam slathered on a crostini is a combination of flavors and textures is pure bliss. And an appetizer destined to get you rave reviews from friends and family!
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Recipe
Whipped Goat Cheese w/ Honey Balsamic Fig Jam Crostini
Ingredients
8.5 ounces (241g) chevre goat cheese, slightly softened
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
1/2 cup (139g) fig jam, spread, or preserves
2 Tablespoons of honey, divided
1 Tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon freshly chopped thyme, plus a few sprigs for garnishing
1/4 cup (43g) praline pecans or toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Crostini or crackers
Directions
1. In a small food processor, combine the goat cheese, olive oil, and flaky sea salt. Process until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the whipped goat cheese on a 7" plate. Drizzle one tablespoon of honey over the top of the whipped cheese. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, add i the one tablespoon of honey, jam, and balsamic vinegar. Over low-medium heat, whisk the mixture until well blended and heated through (about 5 minutes)
4. Spoon the honey, balsamic, fig jam mixture over the top of the cheese.
5. Top with the chopped pecans, thyme and a light sprinkling of flaky sea salt.
6. Serve immediately with homemade crostini or crackers.
Notes: (1) If making your own praline pecans, use this recipe and omit the cinnamon.
Cantigny Park, Wheaton, Il (April 2023)