Recipe: Go-Green Goat Cheese and Pistachio Spread (using garlic and chives)

GO-GREEN GOAT CHEESE AND PISTACHIO SPREAD

10 1/2 ounce (3 logs) mild soft goat cheese (such as Montrachet)
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 large garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped pistachio nuts, toasted lightly and cooled
1/4 cup thinly sliced chives, plus chive blades for garnish
FOR SERVING:
1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices and toasted lightly

In a bowl with an electric mixer, beat together goat cheese, butter, garlic paste, pistachio nuts, sliced chives and salt and pepper to taste until the mixture is combined well. Spoon the spread into a serving dish, and chill it, its surface covered with plastic wrap, overnight.

TO SERVE:
Garnish the spread with the chive blades and serve it with the toasts.

TO MAKE AHEAD:
The spread may be made two days in advance and kept covered and chilled.

Makes about 1 cup (16 one-tablespoon servings)

Per serving (without bread) per tablespoon: 113 calories; 10.7 g fat (6.4 g saturated fat; 85 percent calories from fat); 0.9 g carbohydrates; 24 mg cholesterol; 202 mg sodium; 3.8 g protein; 0.3 g fiber.

Source: Gourmet magazine