I have been on a bit of a 'help me expand my appetizer repertoire' kick. I seem to always go back to my old standbys - so much so that it feels like groundhogs day at every happy hour. My favorite appetizers are those that taste great (duh), use ingredients I typically have on hand, fairly quick preparation, look amazing on the plate and don't require a fork or plate to eat. Being able to 'pick' while holding your wine glass is critical in my book. If I use that criteria, I have found my new addition!
Colorful, quick and tasty - guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy!Sun-dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 8 ounce log fresh goat cheese, chilled
- 1 C pistachio nuts, finely chopped
- 20 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 20 toothpicks or small skewers
Directions:
- Fill pitcher with hot water. Dip a knife into the hot water and slice the goat cheese log in half (lengthwise)
- Slice each half into 10 pieces (make sure you dip the knife into the hot water in-between slicing to ensure a clean cut.
- Roll each piece of goat cheese into balls (about 1/2-inch in diameter) and place on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper.
- Add the chopped pistachio nuts to a shallow bowl. Roll a goat cheese ball into the pistachio nuts and coat 1/2 of the ball. Return to the sheet pan and repeat with the remaining goat cheese balls.
- Drain the oil from the tomatoes and put onto a plate lined with a paper towel.
- Skewer a goat cheese ball onto the skewer. Lay a basil leaf on top a sun-dried tomato.
- Fold the tomato in half around the basil leaf and add to the skewer with the goat cheese. Repeat with remianing skewers.
- Arrange on a platter, cover and keep chilled until you're ready to serve.
