Baked Herby Marinated Goat Cheese

Warm, herby goat cheese is perfection with a crusty homemade peasant bread, champagne, and little Edith Piaf in the background.

Ingredients

-1 teaspoon dried thyme

-2 teaspoons Herbs de Provence

-11 ounces good quality French goat cheese like Montrachet

-1 teaspoon black peppercorns

-1.5 cups extra virgin olive oil

-Optional: pinch or red pepper flakes for a little heat or whole sundried tomatos in oil (use this oil for the marinade)

Method

• Mix herbs and pepper and press into cheese, covering the entire surface

• Place in a container and cover with olive oil. Cover and refrigerate 3 days-2 weeks

• Remove from container and place in a small, shallow baking dish and cover with oil.

• Bake at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes or until perfectly warm and gooey.

Wine Pairings

Cremant de Loire bubbly from the Loire region that are made primarily with Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.

Sauvignon Blanc