Smoked Almond & Peppercorn Goat Cheese Log

This is not your average, boring appetizer.  This my friends is savory, piquant, creamy, and crunchy all in one delicious bite.  The goat cheese provides creaminess, the peppercorns and smoked almonds the crunch and bite.  The parsley and chives bring along freshness.  Don’t hesitate to serve it with the apples as they are needed to combat the spice and pepper.  I crave this appetizer from time to time.  I am not sure why, as I don’t believe that our bodies would crave pepper or need it for any nutritional value, nonetheless my mouth waters for this simple, easy appetizer.  Enjoy!

Smoked Almond & Peppercorn Goat Cheese Log

1/2 cup smoked almonds (about 3 ounces)
2 tablespoons mixed peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons chopped parsley
2 teaspoons chopped chives
2 4 oz. goat cheese logs
thinly sliced red and green apples for garnish

Coarsely  chop the almonds in a food processor or with a hand chopper, place in a small bowl.
Crush the mixed peppercorns between layers of a folded kitchen towel or wax paper using a meat tenderizer or other heavy kitchen implement.
Add the peppercorns to the almonds.  Mix in the salt, parsley, and chives.  Mix well and spread the mixture on a plate.
Roll each goat cheese log in the almond mixture, using your hands to help press it into the cheese, leaving the ends uncoated.
Garnish with apple slices and serve with crackers, toast rounds or bagel crisps.  It is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of fine wine and conversation with great friends!

Tip: Look for whole mixed peppercorns on the spice aisle of your grocery store and if you can find pink peppercorns be sure to add more of them to the mix.  If you purchase the peppercorns in one of those bottles that allows you to grind directly from the bottle – you will need to pull the lid off as that grind is usually too fine for this recipe.  It’s best if you can find the peppercorns in a bottle with a screw off lid.