This recipe was prepared by Chef Tammy Brawley on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program.

Marinated Goat Cheese with Garlic, Basil and Orange Zest

12-ounce log of soft goat cheese, chilled
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
11/2 teaspoons coarse ground pepper, preferably a mixture of white, red and black
½ teaspoon ground allspice
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger
1/3 cup slivered fresh basil
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
sliced rustic bread

Using a small, thin-bladed knife, cut cheese into ½ʺ slices (To make slicing easier, dip knife in hot tap water after each cut). Arrange slices in a single layer in a glass baking dish.

In a small pan, combine olive oil, pepper and allspice. In a small bowl, combine garlic, ginger, basil and orange zest. Place the pan over medium high heat, and cook about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, and immediately stir in the garlic mixture. After 5 seconds of stirring, pour the entire mixture over the sliced cheese.

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 3 hours.

To serve, transfer the chilled cheese to a serving plate. Serve with sliced rustic bread.