I wasn't planning on making this one and hadn't really paid much attention to it when reading Around My French Table. My curiosity got the better of me and after reading the recipe I couldn't pass it up.
A spinoff on boursin cheese, Lyonnaise Garlic & Herb Cheese starts with fromage blanc or ricotta. Attempting to turn something as ordinary as ricotta cheese into something else proved too tempting, and too easy, to pass up. Ricotta is strained for as little as a couple of hours or overnight to remove the excess liquid. Garlic, shallot, vinegar, olive oil, and herbs are then gently folded into the mixture to create a delicious little surprise.
I made a few substitutions, red wine vinegar instead of sherry vinegar (which I can never find), thyme instead of tarragon but I think part of the fun of this recipe was the freedom to use whatever you have on hand to jazz it up. Except for garlic, I think it is a non-negotiable ingredient here.
I was super surprised at how good this was. I couldn't walk by the bowl without scooping up the garlicky, herb-y flavored cheese with a cracker. I'm sure it would be equally delicious with any variety of crudities. I also found it to delicious when smeared on a toasted baguette and topped with thin slices of grilled steak. Oooh, I just had an idea. This would be a fantastic addition to any lasagna!
The recipe can be found here. Please visit French Fridays with Dorie to see what my fellow Doristas thought of this one!
We used thyme in lieu of tarragon as well.
ReplyDeleteThis spread was great as a calzone filling, by the way - so I am sure lasagna would be amazing....
Looks delicious! I was the same way... I probably had 5 or 6 dips JUST while I was photographing! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea using this in lasagna:) I agree, this was a delicious cheese spread. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love those times where you can't walk by without a bite! ... although that generally means my belly winds up tight and really, really full to the point where I cant move eventually! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE this cheese on a lasagna too. I already add garlic and basil, so what are a few more ingredients. I love the versatility of this week's recipe. Cool bowl, Candy!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the steak idea - must try that soon
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo and what a very pretty wooden serving bowl - it just looks sooo appetizing! This Herb Cheese is just the right dish for some additions/changes! It is nice to read that you enjoyed preparing and eating it.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend!
Good ideas! Maybe I needed more of all the herbs? I thought the flavor level on this one was blah... Nice to read where you liked this one and with enthusiasm. I think the lasagna idea is a perfect use for this spread. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI think this was a great starting point. I'm sure I didn't actually follow directions since I had farmer's cheese, more herbs, different vinegar...
ReplyDeleteHapy that you enjoyed it!!!
I love that there are so many different ways to serve this. I've eaten it on toast for breakfast, but also made a tartine for lunch with country bread and topped the cheese with sliced roast beef. Yum!
ReplyDeleteA great photo to open your Post, Candy. I liked this recipe so much but my herb cheese spread really didn't more "pow" - more herbs and garlic, I think. But, it was fun and simple. I will tinker with it and get it right, I think.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds delicious! The best part of cooking it putting your own spin on things. I'm headed over to check out the recipe!
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