Quick and Easy with Chevre

by briarcliff, July 21, 2009 | Permalink

Quick and Easy with Chevre

By: John Chumbris

I was having a discussion recently about foods I like to always keep on hand in the kitchen for a quick bite (besides staples such as rice, beans, eggs, etc.) and one of my first thoughts was fresh goat cheese or chevre.

Creamy, rich and versatile, fresh chevre is great to have on hand for a quick salad, spread on some bread or crostini or tossed in a pita with any number of things for a quick sandwich. It’s great stuffed in a chicken breast with herbs and baked. It can be worked into breakfast, lunch or dinner. It also has fewer calories, fat and cholesterol than cow’s milk cheeses; more protein; and is easier to digest, often the only choice for those who are lactose intolerant or have allergies to cow’s milk.

Here in Georgia, we are extremely lucky to have some great local goat cheeses available. Sweet Grass Dairy down in Thomasville  Farm-to-Market slideshow and Fromagerie Belle Chevre in Elkmont, Alabama Farm-to-Market slideshow both produce wonderful, award-winning goat cheeses that arrive to the store soon after they are produced. Sweet Grass’ fresh chevre is mild with a luscious, creamy texture while Belle Chevre’s is a bit drier with a fuller yet still mild creamy flavor. Both are highly recommended.

This time of year I like to cut up some fresh strawberries and soak them in some balsamic vinegar with a little lime juice, herbs (I’ve used mint, basil or even rosemary) and a little sugar to balance out the acidity. While they soak, grab baby greens, crumble in some chevre, maybe add some pecans or walnuts for a quick salad. Spoon out the strawberries over the salad while retaining the liquid in the bowl. This will become your dressing. Add about 2-3 times the amount olive oil to the amount of balsamic liquid left over and a bit of salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too tart for your liking, add a little more oil until you get it to where you like and there you have your dressing.

Fresh chevre is great for breakfast on a bagel or toast with fresh fruit, jam or honey. I also like to spread chevre on fresh bread with a sundried tomato pesto or other savory spread for a quick snack. Quick, easy and satisfying!

So, if you haven’t tried these wonderful local cheeses, stop by and experience them this summer. You’ll be glad you did.

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