Amen

Today is my first day of rest. All the holiday parties have come and gone, all the traveling to see relatives is over, and I am left with a day of quiet nothing. Thank goodness for today. I wore sweat pants and had oatmeal at 4pm, and I didn't leave the house but to lug the tree out onto the curb. I'm glad Nelson gets to lounge around all day as well. He was pretty busy over the holidays himself.

I will tell you what, I am grateful that I was able to eat so well this holiday. I had one thoughtful meal after another, actually all made by moms. Laughingly enough, my  contribution on two accounts was to handle the beef. Little liza lou knows how to handle a hunk of meat that is for sure.

Eating can be quite exhausting, agree?  So last night headed home on 1-40 guess what exit sign called my name...HILLSBOROUGH and the subtext in my mind read (chicken wings!) I was craving to eat something simple and to eat it with just one hand. So dinner last night was a stop off at the Wooden Nickel pub with 12 jumbo wings. I couldn't of been happier.

Christmas is over. Everyone one in the grocery and the food service industry I know are relieved. Everyone in the Zaytoun family I know is also relieved. Shout outs to all the siblings and to each rent. We made it through our first divorced Christmas. And even better we all have a new year right around the corner and with that brings another opportunity to eat!

But I have something for you that I am sure you won't mind sharing with a group of your favorite people, and it is a never fail to be raved about recipe.




Ingredients:
feeds 12+


1 lb goat cheese (If you live in the area try Celebrity Dairy, from Siler City. They sell at the farmers market and at whole foods.) http://www.celebritydairy.com/dairy/dairy_main.htm
*1 pkg cream cheese, not light
3/4 cup pumpkin seeds (green)
1/4 cup dried cranberries, sweetened or unsweetened, chopped
3 T. candied ginger, chopped (about 4-5 pieces)
1 T. black sesame seeds
you need parchment paper for this recipe for sure

*The cream cheese is an add in mainly for budget purposes, goat cheese is expensive, most likely because of how it is crafted on such a smaller scale. It also allows for a creamier spread. It creates a milder flavor of goat cheese for the more childish palates.  If you are feeding a bigger crowd, say 25+ use two packages of cream cheese.

Method:

First, blend goat cheese and cream cheese together in mixer, or use hand mixer. Mix til smooth. Next, plop onto large sheet parchment paper with spatula. Mold together with hand to make a log shape. Wrap like a large piece of old fashioned candy and put in refrigerator for two hours.

Meanwhile, chop cranberries and candied ginger. Remove from fridge when firm, and spread a new piece of parchment paper on counter. Spread pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and ginger pieces evenly in middle of parchment.

Carefully peel log away from old parchment and gently roll on new one with toppings. Hands will get a little goat cheesy. Once toppings are evenly spread (use fingers to fill in white spots), lightly sprinkle black sesame seeds for added color. Re wrap and return to fridge. Can make one day ahead.

Serve with store bought crackers or crostinis made from a baguette cut and toasted. Just lovely.