Aspen Cranberry Walnut Pesto with Goat Cheese

This is the definition of a perfect little bite.  Sweet cranberries, fresh basil a punch of garlic and smooth goat cheese (chevre for my foodie friends)  Particularly nice with a little bubbly, this is a re-creation of an hors d'oeuvre from the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.  A few quick snaps of the event:

  

Sun, food, wine, mountains.

 

Amazing.

Now let's get to the pesto

Enough for about 25 crostini or crackers


1 clove garlic
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup fresh basil
¼ walnuts
½ grated parmesan or grana padano cheese
¼ extra virgin olive oil
pinch red pepper flake
½ cup goat cheese


1. Pulse garlic, basil in food processor until finely diced.  Add cranberries, walnuts and red pepper flake and pulse until ingredients are incorporated but still chunky.

2.  Place mixture into a medium sized bowl and stir in cheese and oil.

3.  Spread about a teaspoon of goat cheese on a piece of crostini or cracker and top with pesto.

Enjoy!  More Aspen recipes to come!
MJM