Recipe: Goat Cheese with Herbs (Caprino alle Erbe)

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