You can flavor the goat cheese with any one of the three suggested mix-ins listed below, or make some of each. Serve the cheese spread atop crostini (page 365) or crackers; this recipe makes enough for approximately twenty-four servings.

　　

Ingredients

serves 8

　　1 log (5 to 6 ounces) fresh goat cheese, softened

　　Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

　　Pesto, Sun-Dried Tomato, or Pistachio-Chive flavoring

　　

Step 1

In a medium bowl, mash goat cheese with a fork; season with salt and pepper. Add one of the desired flavorings. Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, up to 1 day; bring to room temperature before serving.

　　

Pesto

Step 2

Stir in 1/4 cup homemade (see page 365) or store-bought pesto.

　　

Sun-Dried Tomato

Step 3

Add 3 tablespoons chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme.

　　

Pistachio-Chive

Step 4

Add 1/4 cup chopped toasted pistachios (see page 365) and 2 tablespoons finely snipped fresh chives, saving some to sprinkle on top of each crostini.

　　Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.