Quickie Goat Cheese And Pecan Bites Recipes

QUICKIE GOAT CHEESE AND PECAN BITES

Steps:

• Break up and mix the goat cheese with the black pepper in a medium bowl. Divide into 24 pieces, about 2 teaspoons each and roll into balls.
• Combine the pecans, lemon zest and parsley in a medium bowl until well blended. Roll the goat cheese balls in the pecan mixture. Arrange on a serving platter. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Take them out 15 minutes before serving so they soften a little and drizzle with a little olive oil, if desired.

CHILI CHEESE GRILLED CHEESE BITES

Steps:

• Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the beef in a thin, single layer and cook, undisturbed, until the bottom begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the seasoning. Mix the garlic powder, cayenne, cinnamon, cumin, mustard powder, onion powder and paprika and 2 teaspoons salt in a small bowl. Check to make sure the bottom of the beef is a brown color, add the seasoning, then stir to combine and cook for 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until the mixture is brick red, about 1 minute. Stir in 3 ounces of water, then remove from the heat.
• Preheat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat.
• Place 4 of the bread slices on a work surface. On each slice, spread 1 tablespoon (0.5 ounce) of cream cheese, then top with 1 heaping tablespoon of Cheddar and set aside.
• Spread 2 heaping tablespoons of the chili on 4 more of the bread slices.
• Place 2 heaping tablespoons of Cheddar on the top left corner of the pan, spreading it out so it resembles the shape of a brioche slice as much as possible. Repeat three more times to create 4 squares or rectangles.
• Place each cheese-topped bread slice, cheese-side up, on top of a square of melting Cheddar. Top each with a chili-topped bread slice, chili-side up. Cook until the cheese starts to turn dark, golden yellow around the edges and is slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer the sandwiches to a plate.
• Place 2 heaping tablespoons of Cheddar on the top left corner of the pan, spreading it out so it resembles the shape of a brioche slice as much as possible. Repeat three more times to create 4 squares or rectangles.
• Place each of the 4 remaining bread slices on top of a square of melting Cheddar. Top with the sandwiches, chili-side down. Cook until the bottoms are crunchy and golden, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board. Cut each sandwich into 4 squares and serve immediately.

ROSEMARY GOAT CHEESE BITES

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, toss pecans with cinnamon. In a small bowl, mix cheese and 3/4 teaspoon rosemary until blended. Shape mixture into 12 balls; roll in pecan mixture to coat. Flatten slightly into patties., If desired, serve patties with toasted baguette slices. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with remaining rosemary.

APPLE & PECAN GOAT CHEESE PASTRIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. In a small bowl, mix apple, goat cheese and pecans., Unfold pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into nine 3-in. squares; separate squares slightly. Place 4 teaspoons apple mixture in center of each square. Lightly brush edges of pastry with water. Bring together four corners of pastry over filling; pinch corners and seams to seal. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon., Place on greased baking sheets. Bake 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.