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Warm Tomato and Sesame-Crusted Goat Cheese
with Cranberry-Balsamic Syrup


Serves 4 as an appetizer

 


1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup naturally brewed balsamic vinegar
1 log goat cheese, sliced into 1-inch disks using dental floss
1 cup white sesame seeds, not toasted
2 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons canola oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Canola oil

Preheat broiler to high broil. Coat a medium saute pan over medium-high heat lightly with oil. Add onions and saute just so slightly soften, about 1 minute. Add cranberries and balsamic vinegar and simmer until thickened and reduced by 75%, about 5 minutes. Place sesame seeds on a plate and press one side of goat cheese disks into seeds. In a small bowl, combine the 2 oils. Place tomato slices on a heat-proof plate, season with salt and pepper and top with goat cheese. Drizzle sesame-canola mixture over goat cheese. Place under broiler until sesame seeds begin to color and cheese has softened, about 1-2 minutes. To serve, drizzle cranberry-balsamic syrup over goat cheese and enjoy, being careful of the hot plate.


  • Wine Notes:

    2005 Antinori Santa Cristina Rosso
    A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. A vibrant fruit aroma with sweet tannins and lingering fruit on the palate, this red pairs beautifully with all three East-West recipes from this episode.

    2005 Altanuta Alto Adige D.O.C. Pinot Grigio
    DOC is the Italian version of the French AOC. DOC wines are produced in specific, defined regions, according to specific rules for each type of wine to preserve traditional wine-making. This aromatic wine has flavors of pear, green apple and lemon. Round and fresh, with an almost effervescent finish, this pairs nicely with all three dishes from this episode.

  • >>This recipe appears in Episode #520.

    >>Click here for a printer friendly version
  • Warm Tomato and Sesame-Crusted Goat Cheese with Cranberry-Balsamic Syrup