Marinated Goat Cheeses

Name: Marinated Goat Cheeses
Ingredients: 4 (2-ounce) crottins Chavignol, or other French goat cheese; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed; 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; 1/4 teaspoon dried lavender blossoms; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups olive oil; Edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, garnish; Minced fresh soft herbs, such as parsley, dill or tarragon, garnish; Homemade Croutons, recipe follows; 1 (12 to 15-inch) loaf French or Italian bread, cut into 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch slices; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

14 ingredients

12 steps

Ingredients

4 (2-ounce) crottins Chavignol, or other French goat cheese
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon dried lavender blossoms
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups olive oil
Edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, garnish
Minced fresh soft herbs, such as parsley, dill or tarragon, garnish
Homemade Croutons, recipe follows
1 (12 to 15-inch) loaf French or Italian bread, cut into 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch slices
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

1

Place the cheeses in a sealable 2-cup jar.
2

Add the thyme, garlic, pepper, lavender, and salt, and top with oil to cover completely.
3

Let stand for 48 hours in the refrigerator before serving.
4

Bring to room temperature.
5

Transfer to a platter or plates and garnish, if desired with edible flowers or herbs.
6

Serve with homemade croutons or crackers, or crumbled into salads.
7

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
8

Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and brush 1 side of each slice with the olive oil, then lightly season with the salt and pepper.
9

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until light golden brown.
10

Remove from the oven and cool before handling or serving.
11

Serve the croutons with the Herb-Marinated Goat Cheeses.
12

Yield: 12 to 20 croutons