Simplicity At It's Best (Cherry Pistachio Goat Cheese Balls)

There are few things better than a relaxing week at the beach amidst the heat of summer. And if it's with a family that knows how to have fun and enjoys good food and drink as much as I do, then so much the better! Of course I'm referring to my beach week in Emerald Isle, NC back in August with P's Dad's family. Though I'd met almost everyone there before, this was actually the first opportunity I'd had to really get to know them.

Not only did I learn more about them, but they also got to know more about me. Including, surprisingly enough, my love of cooking and baking. Since the house they rented came with a fully stocked kitchen, I made them a bevy of treats including Oreo brownies, guacamole, tomato vodka pasta, and cheddar scallion biscuits.

In return they impressed me with an assortment of delights such as shrimp ceviche, fish tacos, apple pear and blueberry pie (using fruits straight from Uncle R's farm!), and a cranberry pistachio goat cheese log. The cheese log idea from P's awesome cousins, K and L, especially stuck with me with its ease of preparation and impressive presentation and taste. Sadly I can't bring the beach (or this wonderful family) to you, but I'm convinced this simple, elegant, and very tasty appetizer is the next best thing 8).

P.S. - If you're a US resident, don't forget to enter my giveaway of 100 custom-designed postcards (can also be used as invitations/holiday cards)! Only one more day to enter.

Cherry Pistachio Goat Cheese Balls [Printable Recipe]
Serves 6 to 10

6 oz. goat cheese, cool room temperature
3/4 cup tart dried cherries OR cranberries, finely chopped
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, lightly toasted and finely chopped
Large pinch of salt, optional
8 to 10 toothpicks, optional
Crackers, to serve

Add 3 tablespoons of chopped dried cherries to the goat cheese and mix in just until incorporated. Combine the remaining cherries and chopped pistachios in a medium-sized shallow bowl or deep plate. If pistachios aren't already salted, add a large pinch of salt to the mixture to taste. Divide goat cheese cherry mixture into 8 to 10 evenly-sized balls. Roll each ball in cherry pistachio mixture until well covered, and transfer to serving plate. Put a pick into the center of each ball, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 1 day).