by Sharm | Apr 21, 2017 | Food & Drink, Recipes
This strawberry walnut spinach salad is the epitome of spring. With fresh berries coming in to season and local farmers markets starting to open, you can get the ingredients at the peak of freshness and support you local farmer all at the same time.
I love the combination of the sweet strawberries with the salty goat cheese and the walnuts add a nice crunch. You can use plain walnuts or take a stab at making these maple glazed walnuts. They are sweet and salty and the perfect addition to this salad. They also make a great snack!
You can top it with any dressing you like. I like using a balsamic or poppy seed but you can use whatever you like. This salad is great as a side or add a little chicken or protein of choice to make it heartier.
It is absolutely fabulous to serve to a big crowd as you can just get the big one pound package of spinach from Costco or wherever you shop. They also have the best goat cheese! Throw in more berries, onion and walnuts and you will have the perfect salad for whatever event you are hosting. It also travels well so can be the perfect dish for a potluck or gathering.
Strawberry Walnut Spinach Salad
Serves 2
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1 6 oz Package Fresh Spinach
1/2 Cup Walnut Halves
1/2 Cup Crumbled Goat Cheese
1 Cup Fresh Sliced Strawberries
1/4 Cup Sliced Red Onion
Method:
Place Spinach in large serving bowl. Top with remaining ingredients. Toss and serve with dressing of choice.
by Sharm | Nov 18, 2016 | Food & Drink, Recipes
This rosemary goat cheese with honey appetizer is perfect for the holidays or any day for that matter. The combination of the salty goat cheese, sweet honey and distinct taste of rosemary is so good! The presentation on this can be done as one large cheese ball, log or small individual balls. I have done it both ways. You should be able to get about 12 medium size balls. You can always make them smaller to go further.
Rosemary Goat Cheese
1 10.5 oz goat cheese
2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (reserve one whole sprig for garnish)
3/4 cup chopped almonds or pecans or favorite nut
honey to taste
Mix rosemary and goat cheese together.
Rosemary Goat cheese
Scoop cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape into one large ball or log and chill about 15-20 minutes.
Remove cheese from plastic wrap and coat all sides with chopped nuts of choice pressing them gently into the cheese so they stick.
If you choose to make individual balls there is no need to shape in plastic and refrigerate. Just portion out a heaping tablespoon and shape into ball and then roll and nut mixture to coat entire ball pressing in nuts to make them stick.
This rosemary goat cheese can be made up to 12 house in advance so at this point you may place the nut covered cheese in the fridge. For the balls choose a large enough storage container that you can arrange the cheese balls in a single layer. The large ball or log can be stored in an airtight container or even wrapped in plastic wrap.
Arrange cheese on serving platter and drizzle with honey just before serving.
Sprinkle remaining nuts on top and garnish with fresh rosemary sprig. Serve with crackers. The leftovers are delicious to crumbled on top of a salad the next day.
by Sharm | Sep 26, 2016 | Food & Drink, Recipes, Uncategorized, Whole Foods Market
This roasted heirloom tomato and goat cheese dip is simple and the perfect appetizer to impress guests or take to a party.
As an ambassador for Whole Foods Market I get to create and share a simple recipe using great products and produce that are in season and available at Whole Foods Market. At the moment this includes delicious heirloom tomatoes. I wish to thank whole foods for providing me with a gift card to purchase the ingredients.
Here are some tips and recipes from Whole Foods Market along with my recipe for the roasted heirloom tomato and goat cheese dip. Enjoy!
Why they’re cool:
Precious and short, heirloom tomato season is at its peak in early autumn
Tomatoes should feel heavy for their size, be soft and yield only slightly to the touch. Size has no correlation with quality — large tomatoes can be just as delicious as small ones. Also, avoid tomatoes with open splits and cracks. Only purchase what you can eat within a few days. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, not the refrigerator because it destroys both flavor and texture.
Whole Foods Market Heirloom Tomatoes
Here are a few favorite varieties!
Cherokee Purple. This very large, beefsteak variety is purple or very dark red. It’s deeply flavored and rich with a firm, dense texture. Slice these tomatoes thickly and serve with brined cheeses such as feta or with a sweet drizzle of honey.
Marvel Stripe. This large, beefsteak variety is yellow with interior blush. It’s mild, sweet and fruity with low acidity. These tomatoes are juicy and soft and are wonderful for gazpacho, paired with balsamic vinegar as a tomato relish or with earthy clothbound cheddar cheese.
Brandywine. This is another large, beefsteak variety, however these tomatoes are pink or yellow and sweet with low acidity. They are perfect for sandwiches, used as the base of a fresh summer salad or paired with the creamy saltiness of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Evergreen. This is a medium to large, beefsteak variety. They stay green when ripe and are mild and sweet. Make tomato preserves, a sandwich with triple crème Brie and baguette or bread and fry slices for fried green tomatoes.
Black Prince. This is a medium-sized, round globe variety that’s purple or very dark red. It’s deep and sweetly flavored with a firm texture. Sprinkle wedges with vinaigrette and fresh herbs for a simple treat; pair with Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue to match the tomato’s sweetness.
Sun Gold. This small, cherry variety is dark yellow or almost orange. These tomatoes are tangy-sweet and perfect for an anytime snack, tossing into quick salads, baking on pizzas and flatbreads and pairing with Parrano cheese.
Black Cherry. This small, cherry variety is purple or dark red, very sweet and highly flavored. They’re great in salads, roasting whole, baking into focaccia and pairing with Monterey Jack for a cream-of-tomato soup flavor combination.
Here’s some of Whole Foods Market favorite recipes:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/fresh-heirloom-tomato-juice
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/heirloom-tomato-kale-and-orzo-salad
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/heirloom-tomato-salad-basil-yogurt-drizzle
Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
Here is my favorite heirloom tomato recipe.
I love serving this dip with the Whole Foods Market house made crostini but you could use and cracker of bread of your choice.
Whole Foods House Made Crostini
The balsamic glaze is sold in a squeeze bottle that is usually found in the oil and vinegar isle at the grocery store. You can also make your own by using regular balsamic vinegar by pouring 1/2 cup vinegar into a sauce pan and then bring to a boil. Stir consistently until vinegar begins to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool. Store unused glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.
Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Heirloom Tomato and Goat Cheese Dip
1 10.5 ounce goat cheese, softened
1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil to taste
balsamic glaze to taste
Heat oven to 425. Rise and pat dry cherry tomatoes and place on baking sheet. Drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes or until cherries began to burst and caramelize.
Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
Roasted Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes
While tomatoes are roasting, place goat cheese in mixing bowl. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
Fresh Basil
Remove tomatoes from oven and cool slightly. Chop fresh basil and set aside.
Roasted Heirloom Tomato Dip
Roasted Heirloom Tomato Dip
To assemble spread goat cheese on serving platter. Top with roasted tomatoes. Sprinkle with fresh basil. Drizzle balsamic glaze over top just before serving.
Roasted Heirloom Tomato Dip
Roasted Heirloom Tomato Dip
Serve with cracker, French bread or crostini of choice.
Roasted Heirloom Tomato Dip
