can't you just taste it?
There is this great French goat cheese that I absolutely love, Fleur Verte le Chevrefeuille from the Périgord region of France. I have had it only a handful of times but its flavors and texture haunts me. Reminiscent of cheese cake in texture, but the fragrant herbs within which it is coated lure you in with a pleasing herbal scent. This is not so much an exact replica, but a take, or hack, on it that is easy as pie to make at home and your guests will love you for it, unless you are sitting in the closet polishing it off by yourself.
look at all those pink peppercorns
You can buy a Herbs de Provence mixture in a jar at the grocery store, but I suggest you follow She Simmers recipe to make your own. Which is more economical and potentially a better product than the mass produced versions. If you have access to a food co-op or other store where herbs in bulk are available, that is the way to buy them! You can go to the grocery store and spend more than $5 on a jar of rosemary or thyme or you can spend like 8¢ on twice as much in a bulk situation. That little jar sure does cost a lot, is it worth it?
fresh goat cheese coated with Herbs de Provence and pink peppercorns
- 1 small log of fresh chèvre or goat cheese, local is good
or see note below* - about 2 tablespoons of Herbs de Provence
- 1 teaspoon of pink peppercorns, lightly crushed
This is not a recipe that requires exactness, go with your own instincts. If you do not have a mortar and pestle to crush the peppercorns, have no fear. Just cover them with a kitchen town and run a rolling pin over them, not too hard they are pretty soft. You can use the palm of your hand with acceptable results. Do not over crush them.
Roll the cheese in the herbs until coated to your liking, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. I would suggest leaving to sit for a few hours for the cheese to absorb some of the herbaceous flavors, but it can be eaten straight away if you must.
Serve with some great crackers or crostini
*NOTE: apparently it is easy to make your own chèvre. Check out She Simmers, Leela posted a how to on making your own chevre and it sounds doable
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
oooo! looks very nice!
Oh my! A good chevre and the world is a better place! This one looks so appealing the colors of the herbs and spices make it just irresistible.
Gosh, I think chevre might possibly be my favourite kind of cheese. I would definitely be the one in the closet polishing this off!
Great idea to make your own herbes de Provence ~ and this cheese sounds really nice. Somehow very summery sounding.