FIG & GOAT CHEESE PINECONE APPETIZERS
GOAT CHEESE PINECONES that add seasonal sophistication to your holiday menu.
Inspired by the popular brownie pinecone trend, this version brings the same woodland-inspired look to the savory side of your holiday spread. I loved the sculptural effect of the dessert version and wanted to recreate that wow factor using flavors that belong on a cheeseboard. These pinecones are made with a creamy mix of goat cheese, fig jam, balsamic, and cocoa that all meld together to strike just the right balance between sweet and savory. Each one is carefully decorated with whole Cocoa Pebbles to mimic natural pinecone scales. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a light snowy finish, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
FIG & GOAT CHEESE PINECONES
All of the flavors of a cheeseboard came together to make these adorable pinecone bites (which I am putting right back onto a cheeseboard, ha!)
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, fig jam, balsamic vinegar, ½ teaspoon cocoa powder, and sea salt. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
- Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour to firm it up.
- Once chilled, divide the cheese mixture into 4 portions. Shape each one into a a short oval or teardrop shape with a flat bottom (aka your best pinecone shape).
- Spread the remaining ½ teaspoon of cocoa powder onto a plate. Lightly roll each cheese shape in the cocoa powder for a deeper brown exterior.
- One by one, gently press Cocoa Pebbles into the cheese, starting at the narrow end and layering outwards like scales spiral your way down. Keep it tight and overlapping for the most realistic pinecone look.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Optionally, before plating, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snow-dusted finish.
