Easy last minute appetizer: Warm goat cheese on toast

What to do when unexpected guests stop by? Uncork a bottle or two of wine, and serve a quick appetizer, relax, and enjoy.   Small finger foods are a wonderful option, and are perfect for the coffee table or the patio tray.  In this video, Chef Eric Ripert creates scrumptious warm fresh goat cheese truffles blended with herbes de Provence and breadcrumbs, a simple treat that will take you less than 10 minutes to execute.

P.S.  Did you ever wonder exactly what herbes de Provence is?   Consisting of thyme, bay leaf, marjoram, rosemary, savory, fennel, and often lavender, this delicious mixture varies by the manufacturer.  Pronounced “EHRB duh proh-VAWNS” the spice plants are abundant in southern France in the summer, and can be used to season anything from meats, fish, fruits, and even vanilla ice cream.   You can grow your own, mix your own recipe, or simply buy a spice blend. Our favorite online spice shop (and no, it’s not because of the name!) is the Savory Spice Shop, which we discovered in Downtown Denver several years ago and have been devoted to ever since.  Owners Mike and Janet Johnston offer freshly ground spices, blends, recipes, and even classes if you are lucky enough to live in the Denver area.  We highly recommend them!

Click on “read more” for the video recipe.

Courtesy of Eric Ripert:

Serves 4

4 ounces goat cheese, slightly chilled
½ cup plain breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
2 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1. Heat toaster oven to Broil.
2. Slice goat cheese into 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball, set aside.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, Herbes de Provence, cracked pepper and salt and mix thoroughly.
4. Roll the goat cheese truffles lightly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place the truffles on a toaster oven tray and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Broil for 2-3 minutes.