Let’s all hear it for the first recipe!

I’m very excited to share this recipe. It all started whey back when…

Earlier this year I wanted to create a “local favorite” that celebrated the town where I work. Being from Texas, and suffering in this terrible heat, it’s natural to follow Tex-Mex styles and use southwestern flavors. My fearless leader, The Head-Cheese and I took this amazing Cilantro jalapeño pesto that we carry and mixed it with some fresh goat cheese. I added a few more secret ingredients that I reveal in the recipe below. Can I say I made myself proud? There’s such a great balance of heat and coolness between the jalapeño and goat cheese. The cilantro just brightens the flavor and reminds me of summer.

Hopefully you’re not someone who doesn’t like cilantro. I’m pretty sure there are a few of you out there and they’re going to miss out on this. This doesn’t mean you should not try this recipe out. You can easily change-up the amounts of jalapeño and cilantro to fit your tastes. Possibly adding something other than cilantro that’s green like other herbs or spinach. Also, if you don’t care for goat cheese you could try this with cream cheese, but once again you’re missing out!

And just for those cilantro-haters: I do hold out hope for you.

Cilantro Jalapeño Goat Cheese

1/2 cup of cilantro jalapeño pesto

1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

1/2 cup of roasted red peppers, diced

16 oz. of fresh goat cheese

water as needed for consistency

Method of Madness:

In a large bowl combine the roasted red peppers with the fresh goat cheese. Slowly add in cilantro jalapeño pesto and blend thoroughly. Mix in grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Add water a teaspoon at a time to get the consistency you want. Allow to sit a few hours before serving to let flavors combine.

Cilantro Jalapeño Pest0:

1 bunch fresh cilantro

2 1/2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

5 cloves garlic

1/2 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded

Combine the cilantro, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, and jalapeño pepper in a blender; pulse until the mixture reaches a soft, paste-like consistency.

Enjoy and celebrate the Cheesus in your life, y’all!

xoxo,

Linnburger