Herbed Goat Cheese

Do you think it's fair to say that herbs are to food as accessories are to fashion? Take a bracelet. On it's own you might think, "Well, that's a nice bangle." But when paired with the perfect cocktail dress, yowzers. It makes the outfit.

I think herbs are the same. I'm not gonna get all jazzed about a basil leaf just sitting alone on my plate. But when that basil is sprinkled on top of freshly sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese? There might be some swooning then. And, really, what is a mojito without mint?

Now that I have herbs growing on my back porch, mere steps away from my kitchen, I plan on using them to add flair to my meals as often as possible. Just yesterday I used basil and dill to turn a boring old sandwich into something special. And it all started with herbed goat cheese...

Herbed Goat Cheese

3 ounces goat cheese, preferably at room temperature
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil*
1.5 teaspoons chopped fresh dill*
Salt and pepper

Stir basil and dill into softened goat cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Use Herbed Goat Cheese as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, to dip veggies, or schmear on crackers or pita chips. This recipe makes enough to spread generously on two sandwiches.

*Don't like basil or dill? Feel free to substitute your favorite herbs.

Herbed Goat Cheese and Roast Beef Sandwiches with Roasted Red Peppers
Serves: 2

4 slices bread
Herbed Goat Cheese
Roasted red peppers, to taste (I used about 2 tablespoons for the husband and practically the rest of the jar for myself.)
6 slices roast beef

Spread Herbed Goat Cheese onto one side of all four slices of bread. Top two slices of bread with roasted red peppers and roast beef. Close up sandwiches with remaining two slices of bread.