Marinated Goat Cheese

Note from Cheri: You can spend a fortune for chèvreor goat cheese in a mixture of olive oil and herbs. But we'll show you how to make your own at a fraction of the cost. It will keep in your refrigerator for a month or more. The cheese makes a wonderful host/hostess gift. Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient in many recipes. Follow this link for an easy delicious appetizer using marinated goat cheese.

1 1/2 cups olive oil (may be more or less depending on the size jar/s you use) 3/4 log plain chèvre or goat cheese, cut into 5 or 6 slices 2-3 whole, peeled garlic cloves 1 tsp. whole peppercorns (black will do, but different colors look nice) 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary, 3-4 inches in length (or 2 tsp. dried) 4-5 sprig fresh thyme, about 3-4 inches in length ( or 1T dried) Optional 2-4 dried red chilis

Carefully place goat cheese slices in a jar (or 2 smaller jars). Arrange garlic cloves, peppercorns, herbs and chilis around goat cheese. Cover entire cheese with olive oil (make sure all cheese surfaces are completely covered as this is what will make it keep longer). Keep covered at room temperature for a few hours then refrigerate. Make this at least a few days before you plan on using it. Let stand at room temperature for an hour or two before serving (olive oil will turn semi-solid when cooled).