Name: Goat Cheese Log with Hazelnut-Nigella Dukkah
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Ingredients: 6 ounces goat cheese; 6 ounces cream cheese; 1 small garlic clove , minced; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon fennel seeds , toasted; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds , toasted; 1 1/2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds , toasted; 1 1/2 teaspoons nigella seeds; 3 tablespoons hazelnuts , toasted, skinned, and chopped fine; 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika; 1/2 teaspoon flake sea salt; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Why This Recipe Works

Besides being fun party food, cheese logs are a perfect way to show your pairing prowess. We paired creamy, tangy goat cheese with nutty, oniony hazelnut-nigella dukkah. The coating gives the log lively, interesting flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese but also provides a textured contrast to the creaminess.

Instructions

for the cheese

Process all ingredients in food processor until smooth, about 1 minute, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.

Place 18 by 11-inch sheet of plastic wrap on counter with long side parallel to counter edge. Transfer cheese mixture to center of plastic and shape into log with long side parallel to counter edge (log should be about 9 inches long). Fold plastic over log and roll up. Pinch plastic at ends of log and roll on counter to form tight cylinder. Tuck ends of plastic underneath log and freeze until completely firm, 1½ to 2 hours.

for the dukkah

Grind fennel seeds and coriander seeds in spice grinder until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Add sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and nigella seeds and pulse until coarsely ground, about 4 pulses; transfer to small bowl. Stir in hazelnuts, paprika, and salt. (Dukkah can be refrigerated for up to 3 months.)

Unwrap cheese log and let sit until outside is slightly tacky to touch, about 10 minutes. Spread dukkah into even layer on large plate and roll cheese log in dukkah to evenly coat, pressing gently to adhere. (Coated cheese log can be wrapped tightly in plastic and refrigerated for up to 2 days.) Transfer to serving platter and let sit at room temperature until softened, about 1 hour. Drizzle with oil and serve.