Bushra Griffith
Cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese logs are a delicious and simple appetiser that can be made at home. They are perfect for holiday parties and entertaining, and can be served with gluten-free crackers, crostini, baguette slices, or even spread on toast. The basic recipe involves mixing dried cranberries, cinnamon and, optionally, pecans, green onion, ginger, and salt, then rolling a log of goat cheese in the mixture. However, there are many variations, such as adding honey, orange zest, or sugar-coated cranberries.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to make a cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log
A cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log is a simple, tasty, and attractive appetizer that can be prepared in about 5 to 10 minutes. It is also gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers. Here is a detailed recipe for making a delicious cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log:
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese log
- Dried cranberries
- Ground cinnamon
- Rosemary (optional)
- Green onion (optional)
- Pecans (optional)
- Ground ginger (optional)
- Salt (optional)
- Honey (optional)
Method:
- Let the goat cheese soften slightly on the counter while you prepare the cranberries and other ingredients.
- Roughly chop the dried cranberries. You can do this by hand or use a food processor.
- Mix the ground cinnamon with the chopped cranberries. If you are using the optional ingredients, add them to the food processor or mix by hand.
- Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until a coarse mixture forms. If you are mixing by hand, finely chop and combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Place the mixture on a flat plate or a piece of plastic wrap.
- Roll the goat cheese log in the mixture, pressing the mixture onto the log as needed.
- Place the covered log on a serving tray and garnish with fresh rosemary and cranberries, if desired.
- For a fancier touch, add some sugar-coated cranberries or drizzle with honey.
- Serve at room temperature with crackers, crostini, or baguette slices.
Tips:
- If you are making this ahead of time, use plastic wrap to roll the goat cheese log. This will help the mixture stick to the log and also keep it wrapped up and fresh.
- Goat cheese should be served at room temperature, making it easier to spread.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- If you want to keep the recipe simple, just use goat cheese, cinnamon, and dried cranberries. This lets the goat cheese shine.
Enjoy your delicious and beautiful cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log!
Microorganisms' Role in Cheese Making
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
Cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese logs are a great addition to a holiday cheese board. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious treat:
Crackers and Breads
The simplest way to serve a cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log is with crackers. Gluten-free options like rice cakes or gluten-free graham crackers are great choices. You can also use pretzels, kettle-cooked potato chips, or a loaf of bread. For a fancier option, serve the cheese log with crostini or baguette slices.
Fruits and Vegetables
For a refreshing option, serve the cheese log with apple slices or your favourite vegetables. You can also try spreading the cheese on rice cakes or apple slices for a tasty and healthy treat.
Sweet Treats
For those with a sweet tooth, try drizzling honey over the cheese log before serving. You can also pair it with fig jam or apricot jam heated with cherry liquor and topped with mint. If you're feeling extra indulgent, try poaching halved figs in red wine with brown sugar, cloves, and a cinnamon stick. Serve the spiced wine-poached figs with a generous helping of the goat cheese on top.
Breakfast Options
The cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log is a versatile treat that can even be enjoyed for breakfast. Spread it on toast or a flourless nut cake for a morning indulgence.
Party Appetizers
This cheese log is an excellent addition to any party spread. Serve it with a variety of crackers, crostini, and veggies. You can also sprinkle leftover nuts over the tray for an extra festive touch.
With its tangy and sweet flavour profile, the cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Get creative and experiment with different serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations!
The Art of Cheese Molding: Understanding the Process
You may want to see also
Variations on the recipe
There are several ways to vary the cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log recipe. Here are some ideas:
Variations in the cheese log
- Honeyed goat cheese: blend honey into the goat cheese before rolling it into the cranberry mixture.
- Cream cheese: stretch the recipe by adding cream cheese to the goat cheese.
- Roll the log in cinnamon before rolling it in the cranberry mixture.
- Add nuts to the cheese log itself, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
- Add fresh herbs to the cheese log, such as parsley.
Variations in the cranberry mixture
- Use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries.
- Add sugar to the cranberry mixture to make it sweeter.
- Add orange zest to the cranberry mixture.
- Add ground ginger to the cranberry mixture for a tiny amount of spice.
- Add green onions (scallions) to the cranberry mixture for a mildly oniony flavour.
Variations in the serving suggestions
- Spread the cheese on toast, rice cakes, or apple slices.
- Make a panini with gf bread, turkey, and the goat cheese.
- Stuff phyllo pockets with the cheese, drizzling with apricot jam and cherry liquor, and topping with mint.
- Poach halved figs in red wine with brown sugar, cloves, and a cinnamon stick. Remove the figs, make a reduction from the wine, and serve the figs with goat cheese, drizzled with the reduction.
- Serve with crostini and fig jam, or with authentic balsamic vinegar.
- Serve with zucchini rollups, or roasted squash.
- Serve with pretzels, or kettle-cooked potato chips.
- Serve with a loaf of bread, or cheese crisps.
Subway's Cheese: Real or Fake?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Storage tips
Cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese logs are a delicious treat, but they can be a little tricky to store. Here are some storage tips to keep your cheese log fresh and tasty:
Refrigerate:
It is best to store your cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log in the refrigerator, especially if you have made it yourself. This will help keep the cheese firm and extend its shelf life. Place the cheese log on a plate or wrap it in wax paper or plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Timing:
If you have purchased a pre-made cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log from the store, check the best-before date. Most cheese logs will last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator if properly stored. For homemade cheese logs, aim to consume within a week for optimal freshness and flavour.
Thawing:
If you have frozen your cheese log, be sure to thaw it slowly and safely. Place it in the refrigerator overnight to defrost, and then let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This will ensure the cheese is soft and spreadable.
Wrapping:
To maintain freshness, always wrap your cheese log tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper. This creates a barrier against air and moisture, preventing the cheese from drying out or becoming contaminated. Change the wrapping if it becomes damp or soiled.
Serving:
For the best flavour and texture, serve your cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log at room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to soften slightly, making it easier to spread and enhancing its creamy texture.
By following these storage tips, you can ensure your cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log stays fresh and delicious. Enjoy your tasty creation with crackers, crostini, or your favourite carbs!
Ricotta Cheese: The Secret to Delicious Milk Cake
You may want to see also
Nutritional information
Cranberry Goat Cheese Log with Walnuts, Pecans, and Parsley
- Calories: 97kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
- Sodium: 72mg
- Potassium: 24mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 223IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1mg
Cranberry Goat Cheese Log with Green Onions, Pecans, and Cinnamon
- Calories: 150kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
- Sodium: 105mg
- Potassium: 43mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 315IU
- Vitamin C: 0.4mg
- Calcium: 47mg
- Iron: 1mg
Simple Cranberry, Cinnamon, and Goat Cheese Log
- Calories: 60kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
- Sodium: 52mg
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 145IU
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.3mg
Cranberry Goat Cheese Log with Honey
- Calories: 169kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
- Sodium: 152mg
- Potassium: 19mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
It's important to note that the nutritional information provided is based on estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands, measuring methods, portion sizes, and other factors. The information above can be used as a general guide, but the actual nutritional content of a cranberry and cinnamon goat cheese log may differ.
Olive Garden's Cheesy Secret: What's Their Favorite?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Combine dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt in a shallow bowl or plate. Roll a log of goat cheese in the cranberry mixture, gently pressing the mixture into the cheese. You can also add pecans, rosemary, green onion, and ground ginger to the cranberry mixture.
You can serve the cheese log with crackers, crostini, baguette slices, bread, pretzels, kettle-cooked potato chips, or veggies. It can also be spread on toast or rice cakes.
You can add honey to the cheese log or drizzle honey on top. You can also add orange zest, orange juice, or sugar to the cranberry mixture.
