Herbal Goat Cheese Log

Herbal Goat Cheese Log

2 4 oz logs or packages of goat cheese
1 4 oz package of cream cheese
½ stick unsalted butter
3 tsp sweet sherry
1 tsp prepared horseradish
½ tsp minced garlic
½ - 1 tsp Kosher salt
½ - 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
½ cup toasted and chopped walnuts (pecans can be used)
Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, Mexican mint marigold or basil chopped
Paprika
Fresh lemon zest (one lemon per goat cheese log)

· Let butter and cheese stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or until soft to combine.

· Mix goat cheese, cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer. The mixture will cream easily and will have a lighter texture.

· Add in sherry, salt and pepper, horseradish and minced garlic until thoroughly combined. Mix in toasted nuts. Wrap cheese mixture in plastic wrap and roll into shape of a log. Chill in freezer until slightly firm, about 10-15 minutes.

· Meanwhile, mix chopped fresh herbs together in a separate dish. If you do not have enough fresh herbs, mix the fresh with dried herbs.

· Remove goat cheese log from freezer, unwrap and slice in half to make 2 logs.

· Spread herb mixture and paprika on a sheet of wax paper and roll logs in the mixture.

· Pat lemon zest on the cheese logs.

· Serve with toasted pita chips, crostini, wheat crackers or thin rye bread slices.

Makes 2 cheese logs or 1 large cheese ball or 12 small cheese balls. Serves 12-16