Goat Cheese with Herbs (Caprino alle Erbe)

Capra is Italian for “goat,” and caprino is the name given to Italian goat cheese. Look for a mild, fresh goat cheese for this recipe. If Italian goat cheese is not available, use an American or French goat cheese. Their flavors are very similar.

8 ounces fresh mild goat cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, rosemary, parsley, basil, thyme
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh herbs for garnish
Thin slices of toasted Italian bread

Mash the cheese in a medium bowl with a fork or spoon. Stir in the herbs and pepper.

Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of a piece of plastic wrap. Bring one end of the plastic over the cheese to meet the other end. Tuck the plastic around the cheese and shape the cheese into a log. Roll the log to secure the shape. Refrigerate one hour up to overnight.

Unwrap the cheese and place it on a serving plate. Drizzle with the oil. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs. Serve with toasted Italian bread.

Makes 6 servings
Source: 1,000 Italian Recipes by Michele Scicolone