Layered Fig and Walnut Goat Cheese Spread

A simple way to jazz up plain goat's cheese is to create a layered spread. I experimented with a combination of fig jam, aged balsamic vinegar, toasted walnuts and sprigs of thyme. Here's what I did :

1. Mix 3 tablespoons of store bought fig jam in a bowl, add 2 teaspoon of aged balsamic vinegar,a pinch of coarse salt and pepper, mix with a fork and finish with a sprinkle of thyme leaves. Toast 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts.

2. Line a separate bowl with plastic wrap*. Place a few sprigs of thyme on the plastic wrap. Add a layer of plain goat's cheese** over the thyme. Create another layer with part of the toasted walnuts and fig jam .Add another layer of plain cheese and top with remainder of walnuts and fig jam. Finish with a last layer of goat's cheese. Wrap the spread with the plastic wrap and store in the fridge overnight.

3. When ready to serve, take the cheese spread out of the bowl and gently unwrap the plastic wrap. Invert the spread onto a serving plate and leave at room temperature for about 30 minutes. I served the layered goat's cheese spread  with ACE rosemary baguette crisps and a cold Reisling.

* tear enough plastic wrap so it drapes over the side of the bowl.
** when layering the cheese, it's easier to spread if it's at room temperature.

© 2011 Ann Ivy Male

Take a Walk on the Natural Side

Trillium, trillium magenta and white, three petals bright.
Jack's still hiding in his Pulpit, for it is now daylight.
Sweet wild flowers, stretch out far and wide.
Curly fiddle head , unraveling  feathery spines.
To greet the morning dew, but another day is mine.

©  2011 Ann Ivy Male
This poem is dedicated to my love.