Whenever I want to make certain that I have prepared an appetizer that almost everyone will adore, it’s off to the mighty goat cheese isle at my grocery store that I go. (Actually, that’s not the whole truth!) Oh, my local grocery store does carry goat cheese logs (now), but they are lovingly enclosed in the tiniest packages you have ever seen; barely visible to the naked eye. So in fact, when I want to serve this appetizer, I have to go off island, drive for many miles to my “local” Costco or Trader Joe’s, to find enough goat cheese (at a reasonable price) to make preparing this dish worthwhile. Because I am here to tell you, no matter how much of this marinated yumminess (my word, don’t bother looking it up) you serve, it will be gone. But, if by some miracle of miracles there is a wee bit left at the end of the evening, you or your spouse (I use the term generically to represent any one else with whom you live) will be happy campers having this available on command in your refrigerator. Nothing makes Mr. C. as happy as a little snack here and there throughout the day. And this cheese spread on a cracker is one of his favorites. I just know there are hobbit genes somewhere in his DNA!

• 4 T. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 T. chopped fresh parsley
• 1 T. chopped fresh basil or oregano
• 1 T. chopped fresh chives (opt.)
• 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (6 oz.) log goat cheese, sliced into 1/3-inch thick slices (dental floss works great!)
• lightly toasted baguette slices

In a flat covered container, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil or oregano, chives, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add cheese slices to oil. Gently turn cheese a couple of times to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days. Serve at room temperature with crackers or baguette slices.