Goat Cheese

The mixture known as duxelles (diced mushrooms cooked with shallots or onions) probably dates back to the seventeenth century. It is said that the famous chef La Varenne, who worked for the Marquis d'Uxelles, created this recipe to preserve mushrooms. Serve this tart with baby greens for a light lunch, or enjoy it as a starter with a white Burgundy.

Adding fleur de sel at the end transforms this tart into a delicious cross between a cheese course and dessert.

To make this easy appetizer even easier, substitute store-bought roasted red bell peppers for the home-roasted ones.

An elegant appetizer from Fleur de Lys in San Francisco.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Jalapeño-Cilantro Salsa and Tomato Salsa are colorful accompaniments to this great entrée.

(Warm Potato Goat-Cheese Salads with Thyme and Niçoise Olives)

Serve this appetizer with crusty bread and enjoy.

Prosciutto slices are usually paper-thin-but for this dish be sure they are not too thin or they will tear when you spread the cheese on them. Serve these with the Black Pepper Almonds, and pour Champagne.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Slices of prosciutto spread with goat cheese and wrapped around asparagus tips make terrific cocktail party fare. The leftover asparagus stalks can be cut up and used in soup, or toss them with pasta, olive oil and Parmesan cheese.