Herb Coated Goat Cheese

Ingredients

• 18 inch baguette 
• 2 teaspoons rosemary leaves fresh finely chopped
• 2.5 teaspoons thyme leaves fresh finely chopped
• 11 ounce log goat cheese fresh soft
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 
• 1.5 tablespoons meyer lemon olive oil extra-virgin
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 
• 3 tablespoons parsley leaves fresh italian finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon coarsely cracked pepper black
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 
• 10 servings herb sprigs fresh for garnish

Equipment

• bowl
• baking sheet
• oven

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy baking sheets.
3. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the bread slices.
4. Bake until the crostini are pale golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, stir the herbs, lemon zest, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. Using about 2 teaspoons of cheese for each, form the goat cheese into 1-inch diameter balls.
6. Roll the cheese balls in the herb mixture to coat completely. Arrange the cheese balls on a platter.
7. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over and around the cheese balls.
8. Serve with the crostini.
9. Garnish with herb sprigs.
10. The crostini and cheese balls can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store the crostini in an airtight container at room temperature. Cover and refrigerate the cheese balls.