By Sharon Bice

Who brought in those luscious brownies to work today? I can smell them from my desk, All chocolatey, chewy goodness! And chocolate, coupled with February means that Valentines Day is near. Naturally, sweet treats come to mind. But very special doesn’t have to be about sweet. Luscious, savory goat cheese just as is or in a simple recipe that showcases it’s unique flavor, aromas, and texture, can be a very special offering for your favorite someone.

Goat milk yogurt and kefir are also wonderful Valentines Day cake and can be used in nearly any recipe calling for milk, buttermilk, or sour cream. Yogurt or kefir will lend a delicious, tender crumb to your baked goods and delicious, mild tang to cream pies and puddings. And possibly best of all?  You will be able to enjoy a sweet treat with your loved ones that is truly of the “heart”: heart healthy!

Goat milk dairy products are easier on the human digestive system and lower in calories, cholesterol and fat than their bovine counterpart. In addition, they are rich in calcium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin K, phosphorus, niacin and thiamin. Dr. George Haenlein of the University of Delaware points out that the fats found in goat milk products are high in middle chain fatty acids, which are easier for the body to process than those found in cow’s milk. Also, according to research by epidemiologist Serge Renaud, goat cheese does not seem to be implicated as a cause of heart disease. He models his own diet on that of Crete, which has the lowest rate of heart disease in the western world. Their diet is heavy in fruits, vegetables, and grains and they eat goat cheese!

I think this is a perfect time to share a few favorite recipes from our archives that, handmade by you, would be a very special treat for your loved one.

Simple to make and delicious to share: Chevre Dessert

Redwood Hill Farm Chevre is so incredibly versatile. I just love this simple, elegant presentation and it’s fun and easy to put together.

Redwood Hill Farm Chevre molded into a sweet dessert

Chevre Dessert: Take 8 oz. of Redwood Hill Farm Fresh Chevre, blend with two tablespoons of sugar, maple syrup or honey, one teaspoon of honey, and juice of about 1/2 lemon. Blend together with a whisk (or blender). And that’s it! A great, low calorie alternative to cream cheese frosting and use it to fill crepes or blintzes. Or simply serve with slices of fresh fruit…poached pears? Mango? Strawberries! Here I’ve set it in a heart shape cheese mold. Line first with cheese cloth or plastic wrap, press in firmly, chill 20-30 minutes. Unmold onto a pretty dish about 30 minutes before serving and garnish.

Heart-Shaped Blini with Smoked Salmon and Lemon Caper Sour Cream

Blini with Smoked Salmon and Lemon Caper Sour Cream: Something savory for you and your loved one? Ultra-creamy Green Valley Organics Lactose Free Sour Cream that we make at the Redwood Hill Farm Creamery, mixed with capers and zesty lemon, adds the perfect touch to these savory appetizer bites. For ease, make the batter a day ahead, or go a step further and make the blinis a day ahead, refrigerate and reheat on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven until warm. Got some gluten-free guests? Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend and one teaspoon xanthan gum for the all-purpose flour. Redwood Hill Farm Goat Milk Kefir in the batter creates the most tender, flavorful blini. Select here for the delicious recipe.

Sour Cream Chocolate Cake with Cherry Vanilla Yogurt Sauce

Sour Cream Chocolate Cake: Rich, chocolatey and decidedly decadent, our no-fail sour cream chocolate cake is oh-so-moist and lactose free (thanks to silky Green Valley Organics Sour Cream) and begs for a fork when topped with sweet-n-tangy cherry vanilla yogurt sauce.  Share this very special heart-shaped cake with your very special someone for the perfect way to say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day. Here is the link to recipe for this luscious cake.

And we love YOU, our loyal fans! Thank you for supporting family farms. If you try these recipes, will you please let us know how you like them? If you alter them at all, share your recipe secrets with us and other Bleat Beat readers. I want to wish you a beautiful St. Valentines day…spend it with the special people (and critters) that you love. It’s all about the heart…

Farm Manager "Goat Guy" Scott Bice with one of our sweet Saanen does

by Sharon Bice

The winter “eating” holidays are all about sharing with family and friends. Entertaining, a house full of party guests or perhaps simply a few intimate friends. Ending a busy day of shopping for gifts with your favorite local cheese to treat yourself while writing your holiday cards. Or garnering “oohs and aahs” when you bring a platter of your favorites to a holiday potluck.

Whether you’re serving cheese as an appetizer or as part of your dessert course, have fun by using Redwood Hill Farm’s unique, delicious artisan cheeses and along with a few simple suggestions we’ve discovered over our more than 25+ years of crafting goat milk cheeses in the farmstead tradition.

Keep it simple. How about a classic platter of three or four cheeses from a single region…say Sonoma County? Use a variety of styles and textures. If offering four cheeses try a couple soft-ripened varieties, a firm cheese such as cheddar, a soft, spreadable variety like chevre or even a spreadable flavored soft cheese. First and foremost choose cheeses that you know and love as long as you have variety.

Or, a single whole cheese can be a good solution. It’s original and beautiful. With a small dinner party of intimate friends or family offer our Cameo, a whole luscious Camembert-style cheese.

When choosing your cheese, build on a theme. For example, a classic French selection. Or, you could offer a selection of American artisan or farmstead cheeses. With Redwood Hill Farm handmade cheeses your theme would be local, artisan goat cheeses crafted from Humane Certified milk. Consider hand printing the cheese name and a sentence or two about the cheese maker, cheese monger, or even the dairy goat who provided the milk!

Amount to buy? This depends on how much other food will be served. Typically a good rule-of-thumb would be from 2 to 4 ounces per person. If serving cheeses only at cocktail time and guests are hungry, up to 3 to 4 ounces per person would be ideal. Serving cheese after dinner and before a light dessert? Use a very small amount per person, about ½ to 1 ounce per person.

Present your cheese on decorative trays, wooden or bamboo boards, or ceramic platters for showcasing cheeses. Avoid silver or stainless steel, as they can alter the taste. Remove the cheeses from the refrigerator about one and a half hours before serving so as to enjoy at room temperature.

You can adorn with vine leaves, flowers and fruits. Play with colors and shapes but keep your cheeses accessible. Whole cheeses should be cut so guests can appreciate the beauty within and set out a separate knife for each type of cheese to make serving easy.

Using plain, fresh cheeses? Dress them up! Coat fresh chevre with fresh herbs, paprika, pesto, chutney or dried fruit.

Now, add a few accompaniments. Chutneys or fruit spreads are fabulous with plain, fresh cheeses. Fresh or dried fruits, fresh-roasted nuts, olives, or even a variety of cured meats are all fine pairings. Do keep it seasonal! With a winter party, try hearty, substantial cheese pairings such as pates, roast beef, nuts and cheese recipes such as fondue.

“Bread, wine, and cheese…a true French trio that wonderfully symbolizes our gastronomic heritage and history” ~Jean D’Alos, Fromager-Affineur

I just love this quote. I do agree with Jean D’Alos in his opinion that white or whole grain breads that have been baked over a wood fire as well as handcrafted sourdough can complement any type of cheese. But also try a nutty bread, such as walnut, which goes well with all cheeses. Raisin bread is a delicious option for strong cheese. Whole grain bread does very well with cheese that have light, fresh flavors. Tip: Offer a variety of breads with your cheese platter. Include whole grain bread, sourdough, raisin bread and breads with nuts, figs, etc., allowing your guests mix flavors and aromas.

Our favorite cheese and wine pairings? Always choose a wine that suits the occasion, ambiance and mood. Cheeses generally make great partners for flashy young wines full of vigor and flavor. The earthy, robust flavors of aged goat cheese make the tannins of young red wines settle down, showing off the fruit flavors to greater advantage. Click here for specific wine pairings we like with Redwood Hill Farm artisan cheese.  http://www.redwoodhill.com/recipes/cheese-wine-pairing

Cheese and beer? Yes! We recently had a fun, very informative beer and cheese pairing evening at the creamery and I discovered once again that certain cheeses can really complement a beer and that absolutely a particular type of beer will bring out exciting flavor notes in a cheese that just makes your mouth sing! What I loved from that pairing was the “Chimay” ale, creamy, fruity & floral that complemented our Three Pepper Chevre beautifully. Also excellent paired with our Plain Chevre, was a sour wheat beer “Telegraph”, out of Santa Barbara. Of course pairings can be subjective but one we all agreed was superb was the Saison style “La Merle” from North Coast Brewing out of Fort Bragg—excellent with Plain Chevre and our California Crottin and was very good with Redwood Hill Farm Bucheret. Click here for more cheese and craft beer pairing suggestions to try… http://www.redwoodhill.com/recipes/cheese-beer-pairing

Are you entertaining in the next few weeks with family, friends, or simply want to treat yourself? Redwood Hill Farm artisan cheeses are always available online! Order by Mon., Dec. 24th for delivery in time to ring in the new year! For our blog readers, use promo code BLEAT BEAT at check-out and receive 15% off your order through the December 30^th!

Lastly, put out the cocktail napkins and eco-friendly plates for your guests and voila…you’re ready to celebrate the season!