Candied Bacon Goat Cheese Toasts W Honey Lavender Drizzle Recipes

CREAMY GOAT CHEESE, BACON AND DATE DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Transfer to a 1-quart baking dish or ovenproof skillet, and spread into an even layer. Bake until warmed through and bubbling, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, then add the dates to the bacon fat in the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the insides are warm and the outsides blister, about 1 minute.
• Top the baked cheese with the dates and bacon, and garnish as you wish. Serve at once.

CREAMY GOAT CHEESE AND HONEY

Steps:

• Divide the goat cheese into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Combine the crushed pecans and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll each goat cheese ball in the pecan mixture until covered. Gently pat the balls into patties; transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle honey over the patties and sprinkle rosemary on top. Serve immediately.

GOAT CHEESE TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy large baking sheets. Brush olive oil over the bread slices. Bake until the crostini are pale golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.
• Blend the goat cheese and cream cheese in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Add the parsley, thyme, and lemon peel. Using the on/off button, pulse just to blend. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread the cheese mixture over the crostini. Sprinkle with the olives, chives, and more pepper. Arrange the toasts on a platter and serve.
• Do-Ahead Tip: The crostini and cheese mixture can each be prepared 2 days ahead. Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate the cheese mixture. Let the cheese mixture stand at room temperature for 1 hour to soften slightly before spreading over the crostini.

CANDIED BACON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
• Spread the brown sugar on a plate. Coat the bacon on both sides of with the brown sugar, pressing to adhere. Lay the slices on the rack.
• Bake until dark brown and almost completely crisp (the bacon will continue to crisp as it cools), 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to cool. Crumble or chop before using.

CANDIED BACON GOAT CHEESE TOASTS W/ HONEY LAVENDER DRIZZLE

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 350F. Fit a wire rack inside a baking sheet, then line with strips of bacon. Using a pastry brush, coat the bacon strips on both sides with approximately 3 tablespoons of the maple syrup, then bake on oven middle rack for 25 minutes until crisp but not overdone. Once cooked, immediately coat the bacon on both sides with the remaining maple syrup, then allow to cool. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl combine the honey and lavender oil. Start with 1/4 cup honey, then add more if the lavender taste is a bit strong for your liking. Toast the sourdough bread to your desired level of crispiness. When ready, compose the toasts with a thick schmear of goat cheese, candied bacon, and drizzles of lavender honey. Eat immediately!

WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE WITH WARM CANDIED BACON AND DATES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2. On the baking sheet, toss together the bacon, 1 tablespoon rosemary, the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon honey, and the cayenne. Arrange in an even layer. Tear the dates and scatter them around the bacon. Bake 8-10 minutes, until the bacon is crisping.3. Meanwhile, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. The goat cheese mix can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but bring to room temp before serving. 4. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup honey, 1 tablespoon rosemary, a pinch of cayenne - to taste, and a pinch of salt. 5. Spoon the goat cheese into a serving bowl and then top with the warm bacon and dates. Drizzle over a little the rosemary honey. Serve with bread or crackers.

CANDIED BACON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment.
• Separate the bacon into strips and blot each dry. Spread the sugar on a large plate. Press both sides of each bacon strip in the sugar. Arrange the coated bacon on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with any remaining sugar.
• Bake the bacon for 15 minutes, turn the strips over and continue to bake until golden and glazed, 15 to 20 minutes more (it will still be pliable). Remove to a rack and let cool; the bacon will harden but it won't be super crispy.