Heavenly Goat Cheese Mousse Recipe
Attention all foodies and wine lovers! Are you looking for a delectable dessert that combines the sweet taste of caramel with the savory goodness of goat cheese? Look no further than this Goat Cheese Mousse with Red-Wine Caramel Recipe!
This recipe is a masterpiece, with its perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. The rich, creamy goat cheese mousse is paired with a tantalizing homemade red-wine caramel sauce, creating the ideal blend of sweet and salty. Plus, you can serve it atop lightly toasted crostini and fresh strawberries for an added burst of flavor.
But here’s the best part – not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also easy to make! With just a few ingredients and some simple steps to follow, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a luxurious dessert.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, uncork that bottle of red wine, and get ready to indulge in the creamy goodness of Goat Cheese Mousse with Red-Wine Caramel – it’s sure to become one of your favorite dessert recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to impress your guests, look no further than this goat cheese mousse with red-wine caramel recipe. The contrast between the creamy mousse and the slightly salty crostini is enough to make anyone’s taste buds sing.
And let’s talk about the wine caramel – this is not your average caramel sauce. The combination of dry red wine and ruby port elevates the flavor profile, creating a sweet yet sophisticated sauce. Plus, the addition of thyme and shallot adds a subtle complexity that sets this recipe apart from others.
But what really makes this recipe shine is the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. From the tangy goat cheese to the toasted crostini and bright strawberries, every element of this dish is carefully chosen to bring out the best flavors.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also versatile. Serve it as an appetizer or elevate it to a fancy dessert by serving it alongside vanilla ice cream or puff pastry.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.
Ingredient List
Here are the recipe ingredients for goat cheese mousse with red-wine caramel:
For Mousse:
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 thyme sprigs, plus 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves
- 2 cups dry red wine (such as a Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1/2 cup ruby port
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 12 ounces goat cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
For Caramel:
- 1 cup sugar
- Water, as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- Zest of an orange
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
- Walnuts and fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand to create a delicious goat cheese mousse with red-wine caramel.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the caramel sauce
First, mince one shallot and place it in a small saucepan with 1/2 cup of dry red wine, 1/2 cup of ruby port, and one teaspoon of whole black peppercorn. Add a few fresh thyme sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the liquid has reduced to a syrupy consistency.
Next, strain the mixture into another saucepan using a fine-mesh sieve. Add 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water to the mixture, stir to combine, then place it over medium-high heat. Cook the mixture without stirring, just swirling the pan occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until it turns a deep amber color.
Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat and very slowly add in 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly. Add some zest from an orange, a pinch of chopped thyme and continue whisking until well combined. Pour the caramel sauce into a container and let it cool slightly.
Making goat cheese mousse
In a medium bowl using an electric mixer, beat together 8 ounces goat cheese and 1/2 cup heavy cream until it is creamy. Add in some freshly ground pepper, chopped thyme, and mix thoroughly.
Serving suggestion
This goat cheese mousse can be served atop lightly toasted crostini with fresh strawberries or walnuts on top for garnish. Drizzle with the red wine caramel over each piece for added flavor. You may also try other serving suggestions such as puff pastry or make small versions to serve as hors d’oeuvres at your next party.
Bon Appétit!
Substitutions and Variations
Goat Cheese Mousse with Red-Wine Caramel Recipe is a versatile dish, so you can make some substitutions and variations to add your own twist to it. Here are some ideas that will inspire you:
– Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, or cannot find it in your area, you can use other types of soft cheese like feta, ricotta, or cream cheese. Keep in mind that the taste will be slightly different.
– Red Wine: This recipe calls for dry red wine, but you can use other types of wine to suit your taste. For example, you can use a sweet wine like port or dessert wine to balance out the tanginess of the goat cheese mousse.
– Caramel Sauce: The recipe calls for the red-wine caramel sauce, but you can substitute it with other types of caramel sauce if you prefer. For example, you can make a traditional caramel sauce with sugar and cream instead of using wine.
– Herbs: You can use different fresh herbs or spices to add extra flavor to the dish. For example, try using rosemary instead of thyme, or adding some chili flakes for heat.
– Nuts: Walnuts are used in this recipe, but feel free to use other types of nuts like pecans or almonds. You could also omit nuts altogether if there’s an allergy concern.
– Crostini Toppings: Instead of topping crostini with strawberries and walnuts, try experimenting with different toppings like caramelized onions, capers, or diced tomatoes.
With these substitution ideas and variations, there’s truly no limit to how creative you can get with this delicious goat cheese mousse with red-wine caramel recipe!
Serving and Pairing
This goat cheese mousse with red-wine caramel recipe is a perfect appetizer to be served at dinner parties or special occasions. The creamy and smooth texture of the mousse pairs beautifully with the rich and decadent red wine caramel, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
To serve this appetizer, it is recommended to place a scoop of the mousse on top of lightly toasted crostini and top it with a generous drizzle of the red-wine caramel. For an added touch, garnish it with chopped walnuts and thyme sprigs to enhance the flavors and create a beautiful presentation.
When pairing this dish, I highly recommend pairing it with a dry red wine or ruby port. The tannins in the red wine cut through the creaminess of the mousse and complement its savory notes. If you prefer a sweeter pairing, then a ruby port might be an ideal choice due to its fruity notes that tend to amplify the flavor profile of this dish.
For those alcohol-free guests, an alternative pairing can be fresh strawberries or caramelized onions due to their natural sweetness which balances out the saltiness of the goat cheese mousse.
Overall, this dish is highly versatile when it comes to its pairing options; cheese caper ricotta cheese or dessert recipes such as tonka ice cream would also make excellent companions for this recipe. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This goat cheese mousse with red-wine caramel can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To make the most of your time, prepare the goat cheese mousse and red-wine caramel sauce separately, cover them with a plastic wrap, and keep them in an airtight container.
To reheat the mousse, simply take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow it to come to room temperature and become creamy again. You can also use a warm water bath method by placing the container into a bowl of hot water for 5-10 minutes.
Alternatively, you can serve it cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing twist. However, it’s best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, as extreme cold temperatures can change its texture.
When storing the red-wine caramel sauce, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to five days. Before reheating, add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency and gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until warm and smooth.
This make-ahead feature makes this recipe great for events or when hosting guests. Having already prepared most of the dish will allow you more time to mingle with friends and family instead of spending too much time in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making the goat cheese mousse with red-wine caramel recipe, there are some tips that can help you achieve perfect results. Here are some suggestions to ensure your dish turns out delectable every time:
1. Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure to leave the cheese and heavy cream out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes so they can come to room temperature. This will make for smoother blending and create a creamier texture.
2. Beat the goat cheese and cream mixture until it is smooth and light: Using an electric mixer, you should mix the beaten goat cheese and heavy cream for a few minutes to obtain a creamy and whipped texture.
3. Chill the mousse in the fridge before serving: After making the mousse, put it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to one hour before serving. This step helps the mousse set up and makes it easier to handle.
4. Toast the crostini just before serving: To get crispy toasted crostinis without them turning stale, toast them immediately before serving.
5. Choose quality ingredients: High-quality ingredients like fresh strawberries, ruby port, and thyme sprigs will create a decadent flavor profile that will take your dish from delicious to unforgettable.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your goat cheese mousse with red-wine caramel recipe is as scrumptious as possible.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Goat Cheese Mousse With Red-Wine Caramel recipe is an excellent addition to your culinary arsenal. Not only is it luxurious and delectable, but it also has a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will seduce your taste buds.
This recipe offers endless opportunities for experimentation, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. Whether you swap out the goat cheese for ricotta cheese or add more thyme to the recipe, make it your own!
I highly recommend serving this mousse with lightly toasted crostini and fresh strawberries, as these pairings accentuate the wine caramel’s fruity notes and firm structure. Additionally, this mousse can serve as both a dessert or an appetizer, making it an adaptable recipe for various occasions.
If you’re passionate about cooking and love experimenting with new recipes, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this creamy mousse. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients and embark on a flavorful journey with this unique and delicious recipe!
Goat Cheese Mousse With Red-Wine Caramel Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1/2 cup ruby port
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs, plus
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 cups strawberries, hulled (2 pints)
- 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
- 2 tablespoons water
- 11 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 pinch fresh ground pepper
- crostini, for serving
- toasted walnuts, for serving
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the wine, port, black peppercorns, shallot, thyme sprigs and 1 cup of the sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Using a moistened pastry brush, wash down any sugar crystals on the side of the pan.
- Cook over moderate heat, without stirring, until syrupy and reduced to 1 cup, about 35 minutes.
- Strain and discard the solids.
- Let the caramel cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, toss the strawberries, orange zest, water and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and let stand until juicy, about 30 minutes.
- Bring the strawberries to a boil and simmer over moderate heat until slightly thickened and jammy, about 15 minutes.
- Transfer the compote to a bowl and let cool.
- In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the goat cheese, cream, ground pepper and chopped thyme until creamy.
- Spoon the mousse into a bowl and serve with the compote, caramel, crostini and walnuts so guests can assemble their own.