Whatever Floats Your Goat

Freshness and elegance. Pour some of your favorite olive oil into an unexpected clear glass vessel (like a simple vase, a really large mug or, how about a trifle bowl?) Add some fresh woodsy herbs like thyme or oregano, some cut garlic (just to flavor the oil), a bay leaf or two, a handful of whole peppercorns and a little kosher salt. Gingerly drop in some chunks of goat cheese and let them marinate in the oil at room temperature until your guests arrive. Serve with homemade crostini. For the crostini, thinly slice some French baguette, brush each slice with a little olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt or fleur de sel and toast in the oven at 400 degrees until crisp and lightly toasted. Let dry out in the open so that they stay nice and crisp. Let your guests serve themselves to delicious marinated goat cheese spread onto your crunchy crostini. Experiment with herbs. Add a dried chile red pepper or whatever your palate desires. Fresh mozzarella would look really pretty also, however, I find that the goat cheese works well with this idea since it holds it's shape and it's smooth and spreadable. In any case, use your imagination and think "dramatic". Your friends will be impressed. Make a nice pitcher of Rose' sangria with lots of fruit and kick back. Do whatever you enjoy. Whatever makes your happy.

You know . . . whatever floats your goat!

Love, Katie