Whipped Goat Cheese with Bacon & Honey

A spectacular appetizer that is sure to please the crowd! It's the perfect accompaniment to a summery Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy!
Serves 2-4

Ingredients

• Coarse salt
• 4 oz goat cheese log
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 slices of bacon, chopped
• 4 tbs honey
• 7 Medjool dates, chopped
• 1 ripe pear, chopped into chunks
• 1 tbs brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp chopped rosemary
• 3 tbs extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, add bacon, dates, pear, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Combine until thoroughly mixed, transfer to large sheet pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until bacon reaches desired crispiness.
2. While baking, in a blender or food processor, combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, olive oil, and a small pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
3. On a serving dish, spread cheese mixture along the base. Top the whipped goat and cream cheese with the bacon, date, and pear mixture. Drizzle remaining honey evenly and garnish with chopped rosemary and an additional pinch of salt.
4. Enjoy with toasted crostini or crackers.

Recipe Pairings