*Recipe* Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Log

Happy New Year!

This is a recipe I should have posted before the holidays, because it makes a great snack for Christmas get togethers... but I just didn't get around to it! It is also a recipe that I wouldn't say I have been craving, but I've been eating a ton of the last few weeks.  Baby is going to be a cheese lover.

The original recipe called for Pistachios, not Walnuts, but I had Walnuts, and shelled pistachios are expensive! It also says to serve with Crunchmaster crackers, but really any crackers will work, or just east it on it's own by the slice.

Enjoy, and don't be afraid to try this at any time of year, it is always delicious.

Ingredients

Cranberry Walnut Coating

• 1/4 cup drie cranberries
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped or otherwise

Cheese Log

• 8oz goat cheese log or tub
• 4oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp each ginger, ground cinnamon, salt, dried thyme and dried rosemary
• 1/8tsp pepper
• 1/2 a cup of the cranberry walnut coating mixture

 Garnish

• honey, optional

Directions

• Add cranberries and walnuts to food processor, and chop into small pieces (but don't over process).
• Remove half a cup and add it to a medium bowl.  add all the other ingredients for the cheese log to the bowl as well and store to combine. 

• Add the mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap and form into the shape of a log.  Wrap with plastic wrap and put in freezer for 20-30 minutes. 
• Line counter with a large piece of parchment paper.  Add coating ingredients to parchment and spread into a single layer square a little longer than the length of the cheese log. 
• Add cheese log to the edge of the coating and and roll until evenly coated, pressing into coating so that it sticks. 
• The log can be served immediately or refrigerated until you are ready. 
• Remove from fridge about 15 minutes before serving.  If you want, drizzle generously with honey before serving.  Serve with crackers. 

thanks to Carlsbad Cravings for the recipe!