goat cheese

One of the easiest appetizers ever, which I've made countless times, is baked goat cheese. Normally I smother it in marinara sauce and serve it with toasted baguette, but recently I came across a recipe that turns the baked goat cheese into a Tex-Mex-style dip. The marinara is replaced with roasted tomato salsa and tortilla chips stand in for the crostini.

The resulting dip is so good I couldn't help but wonder, "why didn't I think of this?!" If you've got time, make your own salsa, but when you need an app fast, simply pour your favorite store-bought salsa over the goat cheese and pop it in the oven. For a festive Fourth of July spin, serve the red and white dip, hot from the oven, with blue corn tortilla chips. Here's the scrumptious recipe!

Have you cooked, eaten, or seen something amazing recently? Then share it with us! I hosted an impromptu girls' night where I made baked goat cheese, and I uploaded a picture to the community so I could share it with you. Want to be featured on YumSugar? You should do the same!

We've got a group called Savory Sights, where you can upload mouthwatering images of foods and drinks you've made, consumed, or just salivated over. Start sharing your photos now! There are lots of ways to participate, so read on to learn more.

In my attempt to cook with more peak-season produce, I left the farmers market this week with a giant canvas tote full of Spring onions, young alliums with a tender texture and a milder flavor. And in my search to find something to make with them, I managed to discover the holy grail of appetizers.

Onions, fresh goat cheese, and baguette don't sound like much, but trust me, the sum is greater than its parts. The key is to slow-simmer the Spring onions in a zesty agrodolce sauce, until they've developed a deep caramel flavor and reduced to a thick jam. Spread it on top of crunchy crostini with creamy chèvre, and the rest is guaranteed to be history. For a crowd-pleasing vegetarian appetizer, you'll want to read more.

Marinated goat cheese at the market can be pricey, but it's one of the easiest things to make in your own kitchen. I picked up a log of chèvre and cut it into six even slices. Then, I raided the pantry and fridge for olive oil, vinegar, and herbs; like many marinades, you can easily alter it to suit what you have on hand. Marinate the goat cheese rounds for a couple hours in the fridge and up to a week. I baked the rounds to make an easy appetizer but can't wait to try the leftovers on homemade pizza. The remaining marinade is delicious drizzled on some veggies, so definitely use it too! Ready to add a little more flavor to goat cheese? Keep reading!

There are many ways that I've been trying to eat healthier. I'm consuming less meat and more beans, while incorporating heart-friendly greens into every meal. Normally I'll toss greens with a quick vinaigrette and serve them alongside an entrée like a fried egg sandwich or bowl of soup, but one recent morning, I decided to make my own variation of green eggs no ham.

Thanks to the addition of flavored goat cheese, the slow-cooked eggs came out creamy and delicious. Although I used arugula, a somewhat bitter green, it works nicely with the eggs and cheese. This recipe is easily adaptable: use what ever greens you want (kale, escarole, broccolini, etc.) and any type of melty cheese (ricotta, cream cheese, etc.). Get the uncomplicated technique here.

Kale is one ingredient to warm up to this Fall; in lieu of lettuce, try serving it uncooked in a salad. To contrast the leafy, crunchy kale, toss in carrots, onions, and tomatoes that have been roasted until golden and tender. Coat gently with a garlic-olive oil emulsion and top with a medallion of goat cheese to bring creaminess and body to a flavorful meatless meal. See the recipe when you keep on reading.

The next time you crave roast chicken but don't have time to bake an entire bird, select bone-in chicken breast halves instead. This juicy cut cooks in half the time, about 30 minutes. For a super flavorful preparation, follow this recipe which stuffs the chicken skin with a goat cheese mixture. The ingredient list calls for dried herbs, however, if you've got fresh mint and thyme on hand, why not use them? A combination of red and green grapes makes for a colorful and juicy sauce. It's a simple, effortless meal that's absolutely scrumptious, so consider it for an impromptu Friday night dinner party. Read the technique after the break.

This Summer I've been all about throwing everything on the grill. I've made grilled bread and grilled cheese, so why not grilled peaches? Two years ago, I loved them as an appetizer, and last weekend I decided to try them out in a salad. Select peaches that are on the firm side because they will soften and caramelize while on the grill. Unless you want wilted greens, be sure to let the peaches cool before tossing them with the rest of the ingredients. This hearty salad is great with barbecued chicken or ribs. To see my recipe, keep reading.

I've held a long-standing preference for eating fresh cherries over cooking with them. In fact, my favorite way to consume them is simply off the stem. Our Berry Tempting series, however, has encouraged me to broaden my cherry horizons, and I've not only discovered that the stone fruits work well in a savory salsa, but also as the sweet touch to an entrée salad. If you love a contrast of flavor profiles and textures, but you're over the predictable spinach-bacon or strawberry-pecan pairings, you'll flip for this healthy and creative yet fast and easy meal. Fresh, in-season Bings are the crucial ingredient. They add a burst of sweet juice, along with a lingering pucker, to the crunchy combo. For the recipe, keep on reading.

When I think of classic macaroni and cheese, I always consider it a comforting side dish. However, I love recipes like this one that turn the childhood favorite into an entire meal. Store-bought roast chicken is tossed with broccoli and pasta. Instead of using processed cheese, the ingredient list calls for a semi-soft cheese with garlic and herbs. You could use cream cheese, but I recommend goat cheese. It will provide a delightful richness and tang to the meal.

To get the uncomplicated recipe that's sure to be a hit with kids, read more