Sun-dried Tomato Garlic and Goat Cheese Spread

Alright, let's whip up a sophisticated and delicious Sun-dried Tomato, Garlic, and Goat Cheese Spread! This is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for crusty bread, crackers, or even as a flavorful element in sandwiches.

Recipe: Sun-dried Tomato, Garlic, and Goat Cheese Spread

Yields: Approximately 1 ½ cups Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes (for the garlic)

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113g) fresh goat cheese, softened (chevre works beautifully!)
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained (reserve the oil!)
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish, optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (plus extra for garnish, optional)
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Small skillet or saucepan
• Food processor or blender
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Serving bowl

Instructions:

1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the 4 cloves of garlic in aluminum foil with a drizzle of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
2. Prep the Sun-dried Tomatoes: If your sun-dried tomatoes are particularly dry, soak them in hot water for about 5 minutes to soften them slightly. Drain well.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the softened goat cheese, drained sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic (peeled after roasting), reserved sun-dried tomato oil (the 2 tablespoons), fresh basil, oregano, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Process Until Smooth: Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Season to Taste: Taste the spread and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember that sun-dried tomatoes can be quite salty, so add salt sparingly.
6. Chill and Serve: Transfer the spread to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the spread firm up slightly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh basil and/or oregano, if desired. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, vegetable sticks, or as part of a cheese board. You can also use it to jazz up a sandwich.

Chef's Notes:

• Goat Cheese Variations: If you can't find fresh goat cheese, cream cheese can be substituted. However, it won't have the same tangy flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to mimic the tanginess of goat cheese.
• Sun-dried Tomato Oil: Don't toss the oil that your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in! It's infused with flavor and perfect for cooking, dressing salads, or, as used here, flavoring the spread.
• Garlic Intensity: If you prefer a less intense garlic flavor, use only 2-3 cloves. Roasting the garlic mellows the flavor significantly.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Storage: Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Enjoy! This spread is a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Bon appétit!