Adapted from Effie’s Homemade
Cheese-n-crackers always works, but for an occasion when you want something a little more special—Date night? Impressing the boss?—this goat cheese dip provides savory flavor and a smooth, warm texture. Serve with Effie’s Sea Salt and Lavender Semolina Crackers for an extra boost of flavor: The lavender balances nicely with the earthiness of the goat cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 small shallots, peeled and julienne
- 1-1/2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, or other fresh herb
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 oz. goat cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 egg yolk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Pinch cayenne
- salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup assorted dried fruits (golden raisins, cherries, apricots)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- sprinkle of salt and pepper
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a gratin dish or a casserole dish.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the shallots. Cook for 2 minutes, until the shallots are wilted and translucent in color.
- Add the chopped herbs and continue cooking for 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes over low heat.
- Add the heavy cream and milk and whisk over low heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the base is thick and bubbly. Remove from the heat, add the goat cheese, stir and let cool for a few minutes.
- In the meantime, whisk the eggs, Parmesan (reserve 1 T. for sprinkling) and cayenne together in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the cream base to the eggs and whisk vigorously. This is called tempering, and it’s done so you don’t cook the egg when adding the cream base.
- When everything is combined and slightly warmer, add the rest of the cream base and mix well. Add the salt and pepper and adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 T. Parmesan over the top and bake for 20 minutes. The goat cheese is done when the center rises and a thin knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool to a room temperature before serving.
- Combine the toasted almonds, dried fruit and olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and serve on top of the cheese dip.
Pairings
An herb-infused tea or one with a hint of citrus would match perfectly with the flavors baked into this elegant appetizer.
