Happy Easter! Today families all over the world gather to share a meal and celebrate. Eggs of all sorts are hunted, pretty dresses are worn, ears disappear from chocolate rabbits, and memories are made. It is a happy time and marked by all the beautiful flowers blooming in spring. Azaleas, lillies, viburnum, forsythia, phlox, and wisteria brighten up the landscape. My favorite flower, peony, is a spring bloomer. The first one popped open this past week. It is a soft pink and has the loveliest scent:
What is your family’s traditional Easter meal? For my family it is ham, potato salad, vegetables, cucumber salad, rolls and a dessert like an Apricot Nut Cake. Wine is served along with iced tea for the kids and non-drinkers. There is an appetizer or two to nibble on while we are talking and finishing up cooking.
Herbed Goat Cheese Dip is one of my go-to appetizers. I have made it on several occasions and serve it with veggies, crostini, crackers, or chips. I knew it would be the recipe I would share for today’s Easter Progressive Sunday Supper. There are a lot of good recipes in this menu by fellow Inspiring Foodies bloggers. The details for each can be found on their blogs. I am getting hungry just looking at the list:
- Appetizer: Me – Recipe below – Herbed Goat Cheese Dip
- Bread: Carla – Chocolate Moosey – Lemon-Cherry Hot Cross Buns
- Main Dish: Lori – Burp! Where Food Happens – Ham with Pineapple Chutney
- Main Dish: Isabel – Family Foodie – Crown Pork Roast
- Pasta: Angie – Big Bear’s Wife – Colby Jack Crab and Crawfish Pasta
- Side Dish: Amrita – Beetle’s Kitchen Escapades – Scalloped Potatoes
- Dessert: Jen – Juanita’s Cocina – Coconut Infused Carrot Cake with a Coconut Frosting
A couple of notes on my recipe. It is adapted from the original recipe found in the Best of America Traditional Regional Recipes cookbook. (The link is to the current release in paperback. I have the hardback edition published in 1994.) I added thyme, salt, and additional half-and-half to adjust consistency.
Thank you Isabel for another great Sunday Supper event! I am proud to be a part of your Sunday Supper mission and the Inspiring Foodies team. Please follow the #SundaySupper hashtag on twitter today and every Sunday. You never now what recipes or inspiring blogs you will discover. The photos are mouth-watering on their own. Have a wonderful Easter and enjoy your day. Cheers!
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Herbed Goat Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 10 ounces soft goat cheese
- 1/2 cup half-and-half plus more if needed
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a food processor or blender, add the goat cheese and half-and-half and process to blend. Add the lemon juice and process until smooth.
-
Transfer mixture to a small bowl. Stir in the thyme, chives, parsley, and basil. Stir in additional half and half if mixture is too thick or for desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve as a dip with vegetables, chips, or crackers.
Recipe Notes
An appetizer made with goat cheese and fresh herbs. Serve as a dip with vegetables, chips, or crackers.
Jennie @themessybakerblog
Sunday 8th of April 2012
Renee, this dip sounds super delicious. I bet the herbs add a nice freshness to the dip. Happy Easter!
Renee
Monday 9th of April 2012
Thank you Jennie! Yes, the herbs really freshen it up. It is so much better than a typical ranch dip.
Liz
Sunday 8th of April 2012
Oh, this dip sounds super yummy! And my peonies are just a wee bit behind yours...so beautiful!!!
Renee
Monday 9th of April 2012
Thank you Liz. I have a few peonies in other colors that have not bloomed yet. The light pink ones are always the first.
Family Foodie
Sunday 8th of April 2012
I can't wait to try this recipe!
Renee
Monday 9th of April 2012
Thanks Isabel!
Carla
Sunday 8th of April 2012
Next time I buy goat cheese, I'm making this! Thanks for sharing. Wish I had some right now :)
Renee
Sunday 8th of April 2012
Sending it to you virtually...hope you make it soon.
Jen @ Juanita's Cocina
Sunday 8th of April 2012
Fabulous Renee. I absolutely adore goat cheese and happen to have the items to make this now! Can't wait!!
Renee
Sunday 8th of April 2012
Thanks Jen!