Back in the Kitchen

I've been cooking a lot lately. Perhaps because I am inspired by my new friend Vicky who seems to cook all the time and has really reminded me how much I love to do it. In addition to that, a chat with Charmaine who seems to have a bakery in her house, a conversation with Natalia while she's making dinner or with Marisa who can't wait to spread her culinary wings in her new kitchen...Even my chats on Skype with Tracy and Steven are while they're cooking dinner or eating...and then of course there's Alex who lives in lives in the eating capital of the world! I don't know, the thing is that I'm inspired by all and spending more time in the kitchen! I hope it doesn't translate to too many extra pounds on my body!

Yesterday I prepared a delicious concoction that will be a great addition to any lunch or dinner as an appetizer or to nibble on with a glass of wine.



Goat Cheese with Olives, Lemon and Thyme

* 1/2 cup assorted olives
* 3 fresh thyme sprigs
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
* 1 (4- to 5-ounce) fresh goat-cheese medallion or 2 (2-ounces) goat cheese

Heat olives, thyme, oil, zest, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small skillet or saucepan over low heat until fragrant (do not simmer). Cool to room temperature.

Serve olive mixture over goat cheese.

Cooks' note: This dish can be prepared 2 hours ahead and kept, covered, at room temperature.

This comes from Epicurious.com and I was sure to include it in my recipe box there!