Baked Goat Cheese and Homemade Pepper Jelly

Baked Goat Cheese and Homemade Pepper Jelly is one of those dishes that was absolutely inspired by the hosting skills of others. Some friends of mine have a lovely Christmukkah party annually that often includes the crowd-pleasing cream cheese with pepper jelly appetizer. In fact, they always have lots of fun old school apps and cocktails. Mike is one of those people who is good at guessing which spirit comes next in the trend book. He was mixing 60’s cocktails before Mad Men was all the rage. In fact, I’m still waiting on the rum explosion he swears is coming, because I believe him. Next to their Mad Men style revival cocktails you’ll find lots of appropriately 60’s snacks, including, the aforementioned cream cheese with pepper jelly, which is one of those appetizers that I forget all about in between Christmukkahs. It’s a funny little dish, and not particularly my style; perhaps I am even a little surprised to realize I absolutely love it. Then again, how could you not? Cream cheese and spicy sweet jelly as an excuse to have fresh baguette… Fair point, well made. So last Thanksgiving, when I was perusing magazines for recipes that might fit … Continue reading

Golden Beet and Fresh Chèvre Bruschetta

Guess what I asked of my sister for a Christmas present? If you said “golden beets,” I’m shocked but you’re right. They can be hard to get here in Philly, for no apparent reason. I prefer them to red beets; they taste more earthy to me and a little less sweet. Since she brought me a huge bag of them, I’m still enjoying my golden beets in all sorts of ways. This appetizer is one Marc and I served at our wedding over six years ago. 1 loaf of good French baguette fresh chèvre with herbs (plain works too) golden beets (I always roast 5 or 6 at a time and save some for salads) olive oil salt and pepper good (i.e. aged) balsamic vinegar or cheap balsamic made into a glaze by reducing and adding sugar fresh chives (or any other herbaceous green) Preheat over to 400°. Trim the leaves off the beets and reserve for salad. Wrap the beets in a foil pouch that seals to keep the heat and steam in and place on a cookie sheet or other heat safe vessel. Roast them until you can poke a knife into them easily but they’re not mushy. … Continue reading