Cucumber, Goat Cheese, and Red Pepper Jelly Appetizers

In the kitchen I have two modes. The first is detailed oriented and picky which is great for testing out new recipes and working on decorating projects. I'm all "yay lets mold 100s of teeny tiny gum paste shapes, then test this cookie recipe five times in a row!"

The second mode is more "oh my god can we please just slap this together so that I can eat it already?" and it usually kicks in when I'm hungry and just making a meal or a snack for myself.

Luckily for mode two Stephanie I can assemble these fancy little things and get them into my mouth in a mere matter of minutes.

 

I got the recipe from my mom who uses them as a speedy appetizer in the summer. She found red pepper jelly at the farmer's market and bought me a few jars which made me extremely happy. Who needs fancy purses or jewelry when people are willing to give you delicious preserves?

 If you haven't had red pepper jelly before you're missing out. It's sweet, a little spicy, and gives everything you put it on a kick of flavor.

 

I know that some people make a similar appetizer with cream cheese but I personally find that goat cheese makes for a waaay tastier snack.

I've also tried it with goat cheeses flavored with herbs and spices and was surprised when the plain (or the plain low fat) goat cheese worked better than the flavored.

 

To make these all you do is slice the cucumbers, spread the goat cheese, and top with a dollop of red pepper jelly. They keep well in the fridge if you want to make them beforehand.

These are so simple that I don't save them for special occasions, they've become a regular snack food for me. It only takes about as much effort as making peanut butter and jelly crackers but the result seems so much fanicer.

Cucumber, Goat Cheese, and Red Pepper Jelly Appetizers

(you probably could figure this out on your own without me typing it out, but just in case you scrolled to the bottom to get to the recipe first here it is)

1 package plain goat cheese

1 jar red pepper jelly

1 cucumber

1. slice the cucumber

2. spread with goat cheese

3. top with red pepper jelly

4. shove in your mouth. Repeat. OR if you want to be fancy then make a bunch and arrange on a platter before shoving in your mouth.

 

Comments

[Vegeteria.wordpress.com]

That looks awesome, I made these for my Boxing Day open house last year. Love the combo of the tangy goat cheese and sweet hot pepper jelly!

[Lisa]

Those look delicious, and so pretty. Will definitley try!

[erin @ yummy supper]

Stephanie,
Recently someone gave me a beautiful jar of pepper preserves - I'm with you that food makes the best gifts! I keep looking at the jar trying to decide the best way to use it, and your little cucumber, goat cheese, and cucumber bites look perfect!
xo
E

[Rigel_p]

These are right up my alley. Love the goat cheese idea. Now just gotta get my hands on some red pepper jelly...but shopping for fancy jar goods is the fun part :)

[A Canadian Foodie]

Absolutely gorgeous! And the next time you make this, it will be with your OWN homemade chevre! I am thrilled you are joining us!
:)
Valerie

[tigerfish]

I usually use brie in cracker-type appetizers. Will try goat cheese next time.

[TasteHongKong]

Interesting combo! This lovely appetizer is going to surprise my guests, though I might have to replace with cream cheese (just not a fan of goat type) : ).

[Paula]

Your photos are wonderful and I love your "recipe" directions, especially #4 :)

[dena]

"Shove in your mouth"
LOL!
Best. Directions. EVER!

[Aurélie]

We can almost guest the taste of it just by looking at your pictures! Great job!

[justcooknyc]

if someone gave me red pepper jelly, i'd probably leave it on the counter for months, not sure what to do with it. now i know!

[Becs @ Lay the table]

Mum's always get the best gifts - red pepper jelly sounds mmm delish!

[Nerissa]

I do this with cukes all the time. I love pairing it up with goat cheese and a pepper jelly. I'm wary of my red pepper jelly, though. I once got a jar that tasted like pure white vinegar. It was... errf... I still gag to think of it.

[how to get rid of skin tags]

yummmy!!! This is really something very special and interesting recipe.

[homeopathy trigeminal neuralgia]

Brilliant! I have never made pepper jelly before, now I will try it.

[drogers]

looks sooo yoummy!

[Kelly]

Who needs the platter??

[suzanne nason]

you made me laugh this morning! thanks for the great idea and your sense of humor!
Suzanne

[Rod Michael]

I harvested 54 jalapenos and 14 Japanese cucumbers today. Guess what im gunna do!

[Stephanie]

Rod: as a failed gardener, I'm extremely jealous of your harvest haha. This would be great with home grown cucumbers