SALSA-BAKED GOAT CHEESE

By jarren

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup pine nuts or coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 4-ounce log goat cheese
• 1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Salsa
• A tablespoon or so chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread out the nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until lightly browned and very fragrant, 7 or 8 minutes (the pine nuts will brown quicker than either of the others). Remove and slide them off into a medium-size bowl.

Add the cheeses to the bowl and combine thoroughly with the nuts. Scoop it in the center of a baking dish (I like to use a decorative 9-inch pie pan) and form it into a 5-inch-diameter disk. Spoon the salsa over and around the cheese. Place the dish in the oven and bake until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle on the cilantro and set it out for your guests to enjoy as a dip or a spread.

Servings: Serves 4 to 6 as a nibble with tortilla chips, pita triangles, crackers or crispy toasts.