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Mr. Sam

Whipped Goat Cheese with Cranberry-Orange Relish and Toasted Pecans

Thanksgiving has a way of making everyone hungry, usually just as the turkey needs carving and the gravy needs stirring. This whipped goat cheese gives guests something to nibble on while the kitchen is busy. The cheese is cool and tangy, the cranberry relish is tart and fragrant with orange, and the toasted pecans bring a little crunch to every bite. Set the bowl out with crostini and let everyone help themselves.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Cranberries Fresk or frozen.
  • 1/4 Cup Orange Juice
  • 1 Tsp Orange Zest Finely grated.
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Pinch Salt
  • 8 Ounces Plain Goat Cheese Softened.
  • 4 Ounces Cream Cheese Softened.
  • 1 1/2 Tbl Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Pecans Chopped.
  • Crostini or sturdy crackers, for serving

Method
 

  1. Make the relish. Combine the cranberries, orange juice, zest, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the berries burst and the juices look syrupy. Transfer to a bowl and cool completely. The relish will thicken as it cools.
  2. Toast the pecans. Stir them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Whip the cheese. Beat the goat cheese and cream cheese with a hand mixer or food processor until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of cream and whip until fluffy. Add the remaining cream if you want a softer spread.
  4. Assemble and serve. Swirl the whipped cheese into a shallow bowl, spoon the cooled relish over the center, and sprinkle with the pecans. Serve with crostini or crackers.

Notes

Make ahead. Refrigerate the whipped cheese and relish in separate covered containers up to one day ahead. Let the cheese soften for about 15 minutes before assembling, and add the pecans just before serving.