Bushra Griffith
Cranberry goat cheese logs are a perfect holiday appetizer that is easy to make and delicious to eat. The goat cheese log is coated with a mixture of dried cranberries, cinnamon, and pecans, adding a combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavours. This appetizer can be served with gluten-free crackers, crostini, baguette, or veggies, and even spread on toast or rice cakes. For an extra touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey can be added on top. The cranberry goat cheese log is a simple yet impressive dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering or party.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Goat cheese, dried cranberries, cinnamon, honey, rosemary, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, green onions |
| Preparation time | 5-15 minutes |
| Calories | 97-150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5-9g |
| Protein | 4-6g |
| Fat | 7-11g |
| Saturated Fat | 3-5g |
| Cholesterol | 9-13mg |
| Sodium | 72-105mg |
| Potassium | 24-43mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4-8g |
| Vitamin A | 223-315IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.4-1mg |
| Calcium | 30-47mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Serving suggestions | Gluten-free crackers, crostini, baguette, toast, rice cakes, honey crisp apple slices, polenta cake, zucchini rollups, pancakes, salad, veggies |
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What You'll Learn
Gluten-free crackers, crostini, baguette, or toast
Gluten-free crackers are a great option to serve with a cranberry goat cheese log. They are a simple and gluten-free way to enjoy the cheese log as an appetizer or snack. You can also add some dried fruit and a drizzle of honey on top of the gluten-free crackers to elevate the dish.
If you are serving the cheese log for breakfast, you can spread it on toast. It is a delicious alternative to cream cheese and can be a great breakfast option.
Crostini and baguette are also great options to serve with the cheese log. You can also add some veggies on the side, such as a Christmas tree-shaped tray of your favourite vegetables.
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Honey
You can use any type of honey you like, from raw acacia honey to a simple shop-bought honeyed goat cheese. The honey is drizzled or brushed onto the goat cheese log, creating a sweet coating that is then covered with cranberries, nuts, and herbs.
The honey can be added in different ways, depending on the desired result. One method is to drizzle the honey on top of the chopped cranberries and nuts, and then roll the goat cheese log in the mixture. This ensures an even coating of honey and creates a sticky surface for the other ingredients to adhere to. Another method is to place the honey on a flat plate and roll the goat cheese log in it, creating a complete honey coating. The log is then rolled in the cranberries and other additions.
The honey can also be drizzled over the entire goat cheese log at the end, just before serving, for a final touch of sweetness. This can be done after the log has been coated in the other ingredients, giving it a glossy finish and ensuring the ingredients are securely attached.
The versatility of honey in this recipe makes it a key component, providing both flavour and functionality.
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Rosemary, cinnamon, and other spices
Rosemary is a popular addition to a cranberry goat cheese log. It provides a herby essence that balances out the sweetness of the cranberries and the tanginess of the goat cheese. You can use fresh or dried rosemary, but make sure to only use the leaves and not the woody stems. Finely chop the rosemary, along with dried cranberries and pecans, and mix with honey. Then, coat the goat cheese log with honey and roll it in the rosemary mixture. You can also garnish the cheese log with fresh rosemary and cranberries.
Cinnamon is another common spice used in cranberry goat cheese logs. It adds warmth and a hint of spice to the dish. You can use ground cinnamon or grate your own cinnamon sticks for a more potent flavour. Combine the cinnamon with dried cranberries and a pinch of salt, and then roll the goat cheese log in the mixture. You can also try adding other spices like ground ginger or green onions for an extra kick of flavour.
When serving a cranberry goat cheese log, it is typically recommended to serve it at room temperature with crackers, crostini, baguette slices, pretzels, apple slices, or pears. You can also offer a drizzle of honey on the side for extra sweetness.
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Nuts
Choosing the Nuts
When it comes to selecting nuts for your cranberry goat cheese log, you have a variety of options. Popular choices include pecans, walnuts, pistachios, and almonds. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts to find your preferred combination. Most nuts will work as substitutes, so you can choose based on your personal preference or what you have on hand.
Chopping the Nuts
It is recommended to chop the nuts finely before mixing them with the cranberries and other ingredients. Smaller pieces will stick better to the goat cheese log, creating a cohesive coating. You can use a nut chopper, food processor, or chef's knife to achieve the desired consistency.
Mixing and Coating
Combine the chopped nuts with dried cranberries, rosemary or parsley, and other desired ingredients such as cinnamon or honey. Mix these ingredients together in a small bowl. Then, spread the mixture on a plate or piece of wax paper. Remove the goat cheese log from its packaging and roll it in the mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. You can also drizzle honey over the log before rolling it to help the mixture stick and add a touch of sweetness.
Presentation and Serving
Once your goat cheese log is coated in the nut and cranberry mixture, it's ready to serve! You can place it on a serving platter or tray, garnished with fresh rosemary and additional cranberries. Surround the log with crackers, crostini, bread, or veggies for your guests to spread the cheese onto. You can also sprinkle any leftover nuts and cranberries on the tray for added texture and flavour.
Remember, when working with nuts, it's important to be mindful of any potential allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests. Enjoy creating your delicious and nutty cranberry goat cheese log!
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Salads, pancakes, and other creative recipes
A cranberry goat cheese log is a versatile treat that can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to pancakes and even as a spread on toast. Here are some creative ways to use this delicious ingredient:
Salads
For a refreshing and tasty salad option, crumble the cranberry goat cheese log over a bed of mixed greens, roast or pickled beets, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The sweetness of the cranberries and the tanginess of the goat cheese will perfectly complement the earthy flavours of the beets. You can also add other ingredients like walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries for an extra crunch and a boost of flavour.
Pancakes
If you're feeling adventurous, try making keto pumpkin pancakes and spread the cranberry goat cheese on top. The combination of fluffy pancakes, creamy cheese, and a hint of cinnamon will tantalise your taste buds. For an extra indulgent touch, you can even drizzle some honey on top or sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavour.
Appetizers and Snacks
The cranberry goat cheese log is an excellent stand-alone appetizer, but you can also get creative and serve it with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas:
- Crackers: Serve the cheese log with your favourite gluten-free crackers. You can also add a drizzle of honey or some dried fruit for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Baguette or Crostini: Slice a baguette or crostini thinly, toast them, and spread the cheese on top for a simple yet delicious snack.
- Veggies: Cut up some fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers, and use the cheese log as a dip.
- Fruit: Pair the cheese with some honey crisp apple slices or spread it on rice cakes for a refreshing snack.
Creative Recipes
The cranberry goat cheese log can be used in a variety of creative recipes, such as:
- Tarts: Buy some phyllo shells, drop in the cheese, and glaze with honey or apricot jam.
- Panini: Use gluten-free bread, turkey, and lettuce to make a delicious panini.
- Phyllo Pockets: Stuff phyllo dough with the cheese, drizzle with apricot jam and cherry liquor, and top with mint for a unique flavour combination.
- Poached Figs: Poach halved figs in red wine with brown sugar, cloves, and cinnamon. Serve the figs with a hunk of the goat cheese and a drizzle of the reduced wine sauce.
The possibilities are endless with this versatile and delicious ingredient! Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy the cranberry goat cheese log.
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Frequently asked questions
Gluten-free crackers, crostini, and gluten-free graham crackers are all gluten-free options to serve with a cranberry goat cheese log.
Baguette, toast, and rice cakes are some non-gluten-free options to serve with a cranberry goat cheese log.
You can crumble the cranberry goat cheese log over a salad, spread it on a flourless nut cake or polenta cake, or use it as a filling for philo pockets.
