Summertime Appetizers: Baked Goat Cheese with Honey & Mango Guacamole

Even though summer technically just started, it feels like it's halfway over with July right around the corner! My birthday is Saturday, and to me, it's always signaled the official start of my summer ;o) Squee!

Another beginning-of-summer event for us is our annual trip to Rehoboth Beach. We had a great time this past week seeing the family and enjoying our favorite traditions like Louie's Subs & Pizza and Royal Treat Breakfast & Ice Cream Parlor. We had big family dinners at the house, complete with apps and happy hour. Needless to say, it was an "off week" from our normal eating/fitness routine, but well worth it.

One of the appetizers we made for the family was essentially my chunky guacamole recipe, except with two additional ingredients: mango and habanero peppers! These additions round out the guacamole and make it a little more sweet, tangy, and add just a bit more spice, making the perfect appetizer for a warm summer day.

The second one was sooo fabulous I decided to call it The North Shore -- warm goat cheese, drizzled with honey, spread over warmed French bread with dressed arugula and sweet, roasted red peppers. 



Perfect for your next summer event!




  
The North Shore
baked goat cheese with honey

  • 1 log of goat cheese
  • 1 baguette or other French bread, sliced 1-inch thick rounds, toasted
  • 3-4 cups of arugula
  • 1 12 oz jar roasted red peppers
  • 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Carefully unwrap goat cheese and place in center of cookie sheet or a large ovenproof plate. Bake for 20 minutes.

2. Using a large spatula or two, carefully slide the cheese onto a plate from the cookie sheet, reshaping as necessary. If an ovenproof plate was used, let it cool for 5 minutes.

3. Arrange arugula, roasted red peppers, and toasted bread around the cheese. Drizzle with a generous amount of honey and top with ground black pepper. Dress the arugula with olive oil and vinegar. 

4. Spread goat cheese on bread, top with arugula and red peppers and enjoy!

Other optional toppings include pine nuts or shaved almonds.

2 comments: