Appetizer Recipe with Garlic and Herbs: Whipped Goat Cheese

Instructions:

1. Roast the garlic: Slice the top off 1 head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a tiny bit of oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F until the cloves are buttery soft and golden. This usually takes about 20 minutes.
2. Prep the baguette: Slice 1 French baguette into 1/2 inch rounds. Brush both sides with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
3. Toast the bread: Place rounds on a baking sheet and toast at 400°F for about 6-8 minutes until the edges are golden and they feel shatter crisp.
4. Whip the cheese base: In a bowl, combine 8 oz soft goat cheese, 4 oz cream cheese, and 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Use a mixer on high speed for 3 minutes until the mixture looks like soft serve ice cream.
5. Incorporate the aromatics: Squeeze the warm roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into the cheese. Add 0.5 tsp flaky sea salt and 0.25 tsp freshly cracked black pepper.
6. Fold in the herbs: Gently stir in 2 tbsp fresh chives and 1 tbsp fresh Italian parsley using a spatula. Note: This prevents the herbs from bleeding green color into the white cheese.
7. Prepare the tomatoes: Quarter 1 cup cherry tomatoes. In a small bowl, toss them with a pinch of salt to release their juices.
8. Assemble the base: Spread a generous tablespoon of the garlic and herb mixture onto each toasted baguette round.
9. Add the toppings: Top each round with 2-3 tomato quarters and one small fresh basil leaf.
10. The final touch: Drizzle the 1 tbsp balsamic glaze over the entire platter just before serving until the dark streaks create a beautiful contrast.