Holiday Baked Goat Cheese with Spiced Cranberry Relish

Ingredients

• 1 log (10 oz) fresh goat cheese, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 French baguette, sliced into rounds
• 2 tbsp Salted Perfection Plymouth Select Blend

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). We want a nice, gentle heat to melt the cheese without separating it.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon of the Salted Perfection Plymouth Select Blend. Mash them together until smooth and creamy. This blend has sage, rosemary, and cranberry notes that wake up the dairy beautifully.
3. Spread the cheese mixture into a small baking dish or a 6-inch cast-iron skillet. Smooth the top with a spatula.
4. In a separate small bowl, toss the fresh cranberries and chopped walnuts with the olive oil, honey, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Salted Perfection Plymouth Select Blend. Make sure everything is well coated.
5. Spoon the cranberry and walnut mixture directly over the cheese layer. The sugars in the blend will caramelize with the honey as it bakes.
6. Bake in the center of the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling at the edges and the cranberries have started to burst and release their juices.
7. While the dip bakes, arrange the baguette slices on a sheet pan and toast them in the oven for the last 5 minutes until golden brown.
8. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes so the molten cheese settles. Serve warm with the toasted baguette slices on the side. DUNZO!