Sunnys Easy Cranberry And Goat Cheese Crostini Recipes

SUNNY'S EASY CHEESE AND CRANBERRY STUFFED CHICKEN WITH CRANBERRY GLAZE

Steps:

• Make and freeze the stuffing: Mash together the goat cheese, shredded cheese, cranberries, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl with a fork. (You can use your hands to mix it really well.) Taste a 'lil bit and add a pinch of salt if needed. Divide the cheese mixture into four sections and shape into torpedo-like logs a bit shorter than the length of the chicken breasts. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Freeze until firm, at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
• Prepare the chicken: Use a paring knife to cut a pocket into the short, fat end of a chicken breast, that will run through much of the length of the breast, without cutting all the way through. It may take a few strokes with the knife. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts. Remove the stuffing from the freezer and insert one log in each pocket. If necessary, trim the logs to fit into the pockets. Secure the openings with toothpicks.
• Season and grill the chicken: Preheat the grill for direct and indirect grilling at 350 degrees F and oil the grates.
• Brush olive oil on the chicken and sprinkle on all sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken over the direct heat of the grill and cook until a peek beneath reveals grill marks, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and place over the indirect heat of the grill to finish. Remove when a check with a thermometer shows the chicken to be at around 155 degrees F, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the chicken from the grill and tent with aluminum foil for 5 to 10 minutes. The temperature of the chicken should increase to 165 degrees F.
• Make the glaze: Combine the chicken stock, cranberries, honey, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.
• Remove the toothpicks from the chicken, transfer to plates, and serve each with a spoon of glaze over the top.

GOAT CHEESE, CRANBERRY CHUTNEY AND TOASTED WALNUT ENVELOPES

Steps:

• 1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry sheet into 25 (about 2-inch) squares.
• 2. Spoon about 2 teaspoons cheese in the center of each pastry square. Top each with about 1/2 teaspoon chutney and about 1/2 teaspoon walnuts. Brush 2 opposite pastry corners with water. Fold the pastry corners up over the filling and overlap slightly at the top, forming an open-ended "envelope", and press to seal. Place the filled pastries onto 2 baking sheets.
• 3. Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Sprinkle the pastries with the thyme before serving, if desired.

CRANBERRY AND GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Spread the goat cheese on the crostini, then top with the cranberry sauce.

CRANBERRY-FIG GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine vinegar and honey. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until mixture is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool., Lightly brush both sides of baguette slices with oil; place on an ungreased baking sheet. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Set aside., In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients; toss to coat. In another bowl, beat goat cheese, lemon zest and pepper until blended., To serve, spread goat cheese mixture over toasts. Stir cranberry mixture; spoon over goat cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with mint.