Radicchio-wrapped goat cheese is colorful, quick and easy

McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - EASY HORS D'OEUVRE

Looking for an appetizer that's seasonally colorful, quick, easy and stylish for New Year's Eve entertaining? Try these elegant radicchio-wrapped goat cheese bites, from radicchio distributor Royal Rose.

Winter is the season for the deep-red, pleasantly bitter, antioxidant-loaded radicchio. Grilling sweetens radicchio's slight bitterness and adds complexity. You can use a stovetop grill pan, your oven broiler or an outdoor grill.

RADICCHIO-WRAPPED GOAT CHEESE

Serves 6

½ cup olive oil

4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

4 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

12 radicchio leaves, blanched slightly in simmering water to soften

1 (3- to 4-ounce) log goat cheese, cut into rounds

6 small tomatoes (yellow and orange if available), sliced, optional

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Make a vinaigrette by whisking together oil, vinegar, thyme and mustard.

2. Place leaves on work surface. Brush center of each leaf with vinaigrette. Place cheese rounds in center of each leaf. Fold leaf around cheese; cover and chill.

3. When ready to cook, heat a seasoned grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush each wrap with vinaigrette and grill until the cheese softens and the radicchio begins to char. Arrange tomatoes slices, if using, on plate, and place bundles on top, or arrange bundles on plate. Drizzle with remaining dressing; season with salt and pepper. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 231 calories, 23 grams fat, 1 gram carbohydrates, 5 grams protein, 15 milligrams cholesterol, 72 milligrams sodium, trace dietary fiber, 90 percent of calories from fat.

_Royal Rose

___

© 2008, Fort Worth Star-Telegram.