Goat Cheese, Pistachios & Hot Raspberry Preserves

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I love cheese and if I’m hosting any kind of event, I’ll serve a cheese board or tray. But, I always like to do something a little special and in this case it means adding my Goat Cheese, Pistachios and Hot Raspberry Preserves to the mix. I’ve coated my goat cheese log with pistachios and spooned on warmed raspberry preserves that have been kicked up with some chili flakes for a quick and easy appetizer. It takes almost no effort at all and your guests will go crazy for this.

The key is getting a great goat cheese. I buy one that is made in Vermont. I find the taste so appealing and the tang of the goat cheese is mild. To make this even easier, I can buy already chopped pistachios at my grocery store… another time saver around the holidays.

Use your favorite raspberry preserves or jam. I happen to love the pistachio and raspberry combo but strawberry, apricot or fig preserves would work too. I also think the red/green color combination works great around the Christmas holiday, so I’ll often bring this to gatherings and parties.

I prefer toasted baguette slices with this but crackers work fine too. If you have leftovers, keep in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or foil. I just like to bring it to room temperature before enjoying again.

I recently described this as a grown-up cream cheese and jelly sandwich… minus the soggy white bread. LOL Plus, you get the bonus of crunchy nuts. Don’t forget that flaky salt. It brings the whole dish together. Add this to your cheeseboard for some serious oohs and aahs.

Do I have to use pistachios for this recipe?

While I love pistachios, other types of nuts and seeds work just as well to coat the goat cheese log. You might try slivered almonds, chopped macadamia or cashews and sunflower seeds are also great.

I don't like raspberry preserves. Is there another jam I could use?

Yes. Almost any jam or preserves would work. Some of my favorites are fig jam, strawberry preserves and tart cherry preserves. All taste fabulous.

I really don't like goat cheese. What other cheeses would you recommend?

The combination of cheese, nuts and jam are seen everywhere. You can coat almost any semi-soft cheese with nuts to get a great presentation. Typically, you’ll want to use a pretty neutral flavored cheese to let the preserves do their thing. On the other hand, a mix of cheeses like cheddar, and cream cheese, make a great foundation for a roll. A classic would be warming up a wheel of brie and topping with nuts and jam or preserves. Blue cheese goes particularly well with chopped walnuts and honey. The combinations are endless.