Goat Cheese Dip

If food is sexy, this goat cheese dip with crispy crackers or pita chips is a great little appetizer. For your next book club meeting, casual movie night or for any reason you can think of, think goat cheese. As a matter of fact after I wrote that first sentence I decided to delve into the health benefits of goat cheese and the title of the article actually used the word "sexy".
Now goat cheese or another name is chevre, which is the French word for goat has eighty calories compared to a cow's milk cheese. It's high in calcium which is much needed for strength and density of bones. Calcium studies show that it helps to prevent migraine headaches, reduces PMS symptoms, and plays a vital role in our bodies functioning. By that I mean it aids in the prevention of blood clotting, muscle contraction, enzyme activity is regulation and also helps blood pressure regulation. Loaded with vitamins and minerals for overall health, this cheese is a winner.

Simple recipe to execute. You could replace the mayonnaise in this with Greek yogurt.

• 1 cup mayonnaise OR Greek yogurt
• 1 - 10 1/2 oz goat cheese - crumbled
• 2 tbsp. olive oil (regular or EVVO)
• 2 green onions chopped
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper

1. Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and whiz together. Add a little extra freshly ground black pepper on top.
2. Serve with pita chips or crackers of your choice.

Baked Pita Chips

• 1 pkg. pita chips
• 1 stick of butter - melted
• 1 1/2 tbsp. granulated garlic
• 1 tbsp. fresh garlic - finely minced (or use jar garlic)
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil

1. Blend the melted butter, garlic, granulated garlic and basil together.
2. Slice pita bread down the middle.
3. Spread the butter mixture on the pita bread.
4. Cut into small squares or triangles - any shape you like.
5. Place them on a sheet pan and bake in a preheated 350° oven until golden brown.

My final comment is that this is not a budget appetizer. I love the recipe and it will be a splurge for another day when my budget is flush. The goat cheese alone is around $14.00!
Admitting that I found this in a magazine while in the waiting room of the doctor's office. It was taken directly from Country Living Magazine.