Salsa Negra-Baked Goat Cheese

Servings: 6  as a snack
If you are in love with the stronger flavor of goat cheese (as I am), feel free to replace the cream cheese with more goat cheese.

INGREDIENTS

  • One 4-ounce log fresh goat cheese
  • One 3-ounce package cream cheese
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons Salsa Negra
  • A tablespoon or so of grated Mexican queso añejo or other garnishing cheese like Parmesan or Romano
  • About 1/3 cup chopped cooked bacon
  • A small handful of cilantro leaves
  • Tortilla chips for serving (preferably thicker ones like you get from a local tortilla factory)

INSTRUCTIONS

In a bowl, mix together the goat cheese and cream cheese until homogenous and easily spreadable.  Spoon into a small baking dish and form into a disk (a 6-inch earthenware cazuela is ideal—like the ones you see in tapas bars).  Flatten the top.  Spoon the salsa Negera evenly over the cheese. Bake in a 350-degree oven until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes.

Sprinkle on the queso añejo (or a stand-in), bacon and cilantro, and you’re ready to serve with tortilla chips for scooping.