summer beets stacks from wendyseewendydo.blogspot.com

  • 4 beets, small to medium sized
  • 4 ounces goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup walnut oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped
  • salt & pepper
  • Preheat oven to 350º F.
  • Scrub, rinse and pat beets dry then rub with a small amount of olive oil and wrap tightly in foil (two beets per foil packet).  Roast for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until beets are tender and easily pierced with a knife.  Allow to slightly cool then carefully remove skin.  (The beets will stain your hands and clothing! So I use rubber gloves.)  Set aside.
  • In a small, dry frying pan toast walnuts until slightly browned.  Set aside.
  • In a small  owl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and walnut oil then season with salt and pepper to taste.  Set aside.
  • Once skin is removed slice beets width-wise into three or four sections (depending on the size of the beet.)
  • In layers, alternate beet slices and crumbled goat cheese.  Drizzle stacks with balsamic walnut oil vinaigrette, fresh thyme leaves and the toasted walnuts.

Cranberry Rosemary Cheese Spread from 12tomatoes.com/

  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (2-3 sprigs) fresh rosemary, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • Ritz crackers, for serving
  1. In a large bowl or mixer, cream together cream cheese and goat cheese, then mix in honey, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  2. Fold in cranberries, apricots and rosemary, then refrigerate for 20 minutes, or until just chilled, but still soft.
  3. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette and enjoy!

 

Maple-Roasted Carrot Salad from Ina


2 pounds carrots, preferably with leafy tops
Good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2/3 cup dried cranberries
2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
3 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, grated on a Microplane
6 ounces baby arugula
6 ounces goat cheese, such as Montrachet, medium-diced
2/3 cup roasted, salted Marcona almonds

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Trim and scrub the carrots. If the carrots are more than 1 inch in diameter, cut them in half lengthwise. Cut the carrots in large diagonal slices 1 inch wide 2 inches long (they will shrink when they roast) and place in a medium bowl with 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Toss well and transfer to two sheet pans. (If you use just one, they’ll steam instead of roasting.) Roast for 20 minutes, tossing once, until the carrots are tender. Transfer all the carrots to one of the sheet pans, add the maple syrup, toss, and roast for 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges are caramelized. Watch them carefully! Toss with a metal spatula and set aside for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the cranberries and orange juice in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, then set aside for 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the arugula in a large bowl and add the carrots, cranberries (with their liquid), goat cheese, almonds, and the vinaigrette. Toss with large spoons, sprinkle with salt, and serve at room temperature.

Tomato and goat cheese cobbler

  • For the biscuit topping
  • 3/4 ccherry-tomato-goat-cheese-cobblerup plus 3 tablespoons (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (130 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons cold buttermilk
  • For the tomato filling
  • 2 pounds (1 kilogram) red and yellow cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Leaves from 8 to 10 thyme sprigs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Healthy pinch freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) soft goat cheese, crumbled
  • Make the biscuit topping
  • 1. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Dump in the butter cubes. Using a pastry blender, work the butter until you have pea- to lima bean-size pieces. (If you have particularly cold hands, you can use your fingertips.) Drizzle in the buttermilk and toss the mixture with a fork until it’s evenly moistened.
  • 2. Plop the dough on a clean work surface. Press and squeeze the dough until it begins to hold together. (If you tossed it well with the fork, this should be a cinch. If you see dry spots, it’s best to use the fork to mix the dough instead of your hands. Whatever you do, don’t overwork the dough.) When all is said and done, you should still see pea-size bits of butter running through the dough.
  • 3. Shape the dough into a disc about 3/4 inch (2 centimeters) thick. Using a 1 1/2 inch (4 centimeter) biscuit cutter, cut out 9 biscuits. Gently gather the dough scraps together, press them into a slab again, and cut out more biscuits. (I was able to get 15 biscuits.) Transfer the biscuits to a baking sheet and slide them in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours. (You can stash the biscuits in a resealable plastic bag and freeze them for up to 3 months to simplify throwing the cobbler together at the last minute easy. You’ll want to allow them a little extra time to thaw a little after taking them out of the freezer and before baking them.)
  • Make the tomato filling
  • 4. Crank your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • 5. Toss the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, half the thyme, salt, and pepper in an ovenproof skillet. (I used a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and it worked marvelously.) Cover the skillet and cook on the stovetop over medium-high heat until the tomatoes begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover the skillet and continue cooking until all the tomatoes have burst slightly and released their juices.
  • 6. Remove the biscuits from the freezer and generously brush the tops with the egg wash. Place them on top of the tomato mixture in the skillet, spacing them 1 inch (2 1/2 centimeters) apart.
  • 7. Bake the cobbler for 25 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven and dot the goat cheese between the biscuits, covering any exposed tomato mixture. Return the whole shebang to the oven, bump up the heat to 450°F (232°C) and continue baking until the top is nicely browned, about 10 minutes more. Scatter the remaining thyme over the top and serve the cobbler warm or at room temperature, scooping the cobbler straight from the skillet at the table. If you’re like me, you’ll want to gild each serving with an extra crank or so freshly ground black pepper. The cobbler is best eaten the day it’s made. (Like it could ever make it to another day.)

Read more at http://leitesculinaria.com/96970/writings-tomato-and-goat-cheese-cobbler.html#TqXS2TLgIZrD1W6G.99

Coddled eggs with spinach and goat cheese from Clinton Kelly

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  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 ounces baby spinach
  • 1 store-bought roasted red pepper (diced)
  • 1/4 cup goat cheese (crumbled)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped)
  • 8 slices white bread (toasted and cut in half on an angle)
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, add spinach and season with salt and pepper. Sauté just until the spinach has wilted. Remove from heat.
  • Line the bottom of a medium saucepan with a clean kitchen towel. Fill pan with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, butter the inside of 4 (8 ounce) ramekins. Divide sautéed spinach between the ramekins. Top each with some roasted pepper, goat cheese, 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons of cream. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Place ramekins in saucepan and cover with a tight fitting lid. Cook until whites are set and yolks are still runny, about 10 minutes.
  • Carefully remove ramekins from saucepan. Serve on 4 plates lined with a napkin. Garnish with chives. Serve with toast.
  • Tips:
    – If you don’t have ramekins, use heatproof glass jars or mugs.
    – If making a large batch, bake the coddled eggs in a baking dish filled with 1 inch of warm water. Cover with foil and place in a 325ºF oven for about 10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and do not jiggle.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower and Whipped Goat Cheese by Alon Shaya

 

Cauliflower poached in a winey, punchy broth, then roasted — whole — results in a brown and crackly masterpiece. Topped with a creamy, tangy sauce.

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  • head cauliflower, whole, stem trimmed and leaves removed
  • 2 1/2 cups dry white wine
  • 1/3 cup olive oil plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • tablespoons unsalted butter
  • tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • tablespoon sugar
  • bay leaf
  • Coarse sea salt (for serving)
  1. Heat oven to 475° F. Bring wine, oil, salt, lemon juice, butter, red pepper flakes, sugar, bay leaf, and 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Remove leaves and cut out the center core to create a flat surface for cauliflower to balance, making sure to leave the head intact.
  3. Carefully lower in cauliflower, reduce heat, and simmer, turning occasionally, until a knife easily inserts into center, 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Using 2 slotted spoons or a mesh strainer or spider, transfer cauliflower to a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan, draining well.
  5. Roast, rotating pan halfway through, until brown all over, 30 to 40 minutes.
  6. Transfer cauliflower to a plate. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with whipped goat cheese (recipe below).

Whipped Goat Cheese

  • ounces fresh goat cheese
  • ounces cream cheese
  • ounces feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • tablespoons olive oil plus more for serving
  1. Blend goat cheese, cream cheese, feta, cream, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor until smooth; season with sea salt.
  2. Transfer whipped goat cheese to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Note: Whipped goat cheese can be made one day ahead. Cover and chill in the refrigerator.
  • Serves 4 to 6

 

Orecchiette with Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale, and Caramelized Red Onion food 52

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large butternut squash, cut into small cubes, divided
tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
pinch cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
red onion, sliced thinly
1/2 pound orecchiette
1 or 2 large cloves garlic, minced

cups veggie broth, divided
bunch kale
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup heavy cream
ounce goat cheese, optional
tablespoon chopped sage
Parmesan cheese, to serve

  1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Toss all but 1 cup of the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and the nutmeg. Roast until butternut squash pieces are tender and caramelized, about 30 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook sliced red onions until caramelized, about 30 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Heat a pot of water over high heat until boiling. Salt water generously. Cook orecchiette according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. Meanwhile, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Cook the remaining cup of butternut squash for approximately 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and cook until broth is almost completely absorbed.
  5. Remove the middle stems from the kale and roughly chop the leaves. Add kale to butternut squash and stir until kale has softened. Add caramelized red onions.
  6. Add white wine and cook for 2 minutes. Add remaining chicken broth and reduce, about 10 minutes.
  7. Turn heat to low and add the heavy cream. When the pasta is al dente, add it to the pan with the sauce. Add the roasted butternut squash.
  8. Loosen sauce with pasta water if needed. Sprinkle with goat cheese (optional), sage, and Parmesan cheese.  Serves 4

One Pot Kale and Quinoa Pilaf, food 52

food52_04-17-12-6173 (1)

2 cups salted water
1 cup quinoa
1 bunch lacinato kale, washed and chopped into 1″ lengths
1 meyer lemon, zested and juiced
2 scallions, minced
1 tablespoon toasted walnut oil
3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
salt and pepper

Bring the water to a boil in a covered pot. Add the quinoa, cover, and lower the heat until it is just enough to maintain a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes, then top with the kale and re-cover. Simmer another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and allow to steam for 5 more minutes.

While the quinoa is cooking, take a large serving bowl and combine half of the lemon juice (reserving the other half), all of the lemon zest, scallions, walnut oil (you can substitute olive oil if you desire), pine nuts, and goat cheese.

Check the quinoa and kale when the cooking time has completed — the water should have absorbed, and the quinoa will be tender but firm, and the kale tender and bright green. If the quinoa still has a hard white center, you can steam a bit longer (adding more water if needed). When the quinoa and kale are done, fluff the pilaf, and tip it into the waiting bowl with the remaining ingredients. As the hot quinoa hits the scallions and lemon it should smell lovely. Toss to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper, and the remaining lemon juice if needed.

Salad with Warm Goat Cheese — Ina

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1 (11-ounce) log plain or herbed Montrachet
2 extra-large egg whites, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Fresh white bread crumbs
For the dressing:
2 tablespoons good cider vinegar
2 tablespoons good Champagne vinegar
Pinch sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 extra-large egg yolk
1 cup good olive oil
Enough mixed salad greens for 6 servings
Olive oil and unsalted butter, for frying

Slice the Montrachet into 12 (1/2-inch-thick) slices. (The easiest way to slice goat cheese is to use a length of dental floss.) Dip each slice into the beaten egg whites, then the bread crumbs, being sure the cheese is thoroughly coated. Place the slices on a rack and chill them for at least 15 minutes.

For the dressing, place the vinegars, sugar, salt, pepper, and egg yolk in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and blend for 1 minute. With the motor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube until the vinaigrette is thickened. Season, to taste.

Toss the salad greens with enough dressing to moisten, then divide them among 6 plates.

Melt 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a saute pan over medium-high heat until just under smoking. Cook the goat cheese rounds quickly on both sides until browned on the outside but not melted inside. Top each salad with 2 warm rounds and serve.