Hot Pepper Jelly + Chevre

Simply put, these two are a match made in heaven. Growing up, it was one of the last minute appetizers that my parents would put out for unexpected guests - some good quality chevre topped with hot pepper jelly and crackers for spreading.  I always loved the pairing; Creamy tart goat cheese and sweet hot pepper jelly...it just works. 

One of my favorites is this Hot Pepper Jelly from Jamie Oliver's Jme Collection. Pretty packaging. Great flavor and texture. Win. Win. Win. 

To this day, it is something that I usually have on hand at home just in case I need to put a snack out or bring something to a dinner party. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?

 If you've got a little bit of extra time on your hands, you can take things a step further and get a little fancy with it by making a pepper jelly and chevre gratin. Heat your oven to 375 and while it's warming up, spread your goat cheese across the bottom of a small baking dish and then top it with a layer of pepper jelly. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until it is bubbly and hot. Serve immediately with crackers or crostini.  It is also great on thin pizza crust or some flatbread along with fresh herbs like cilantro and chive.