Food: Goat Cheese Marinated w/lemon & herbs

Hi Made By Girl readers! Lauren from Perpetually Chic here, popping in to share an easy appetizer you must add to your entertaining arsenal pronto: Creamy goat cheese, marinated with lemon, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil, and served with crackers. This app is high on presentation factor and will impress your guests, but it's as simple as can be to prepare ahead and will actually save you time as the host. I keep the ingredients in my kitchen at all times, so I can whip this up in a pinch. Keep reading for the recipe!

In addition to the lemon and herbs, capers add a slightly salty note and sun-dried tomatoes a flavorful texture. I make this app all year long, but I just realized in photographing it how perfect it would be for a holiday party with its naturally festive colors!

Delicious!

Goat Cheese Marinated with Lemon & Herbs

Ingredients

1 4-ounce log of fresh goat cheese, carefully sliced into 6 equal-sized rounds

3 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon capers, drained and minced

1 teaspoon of fresh lemon thyme (or regular)

2 small sprigs of rosemary

Maldon sea salt 

Freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup of good quality extra-virgin olive oil 

Crackers or toasted baguette slices

Instructions:

1. On a small, shallow plate or dish, arrange the goat cheese pieces in one layer. Sprinkle the lemon zest over the cheese, then follow with the sun-dried tomatoes, capers and thyme. Sprinkle seat salt and ground pepper over the cheese, and place the rosemary sprigs on the sides.

2. Slowly pour the olive oil over the cheese, just until it covers it--use more if you like, I lean toward less.

3. Transfer the cheese to the refrigerator for 2-4 hours (if you have time), to let the cheese marinate. Even if you don't have time for this step, it's still delicious. Bring the dish to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then set out crackers or crostini and small knife to serve. 

-Recipe & photos by Lauren Craig