Goat Cheese Hors d’oeuvre

These smooth yet delicate little gems are wonderful hors d’oeuvre worthy of an elegant dinner party table.  Dab just a bead of our green tomato chutney on to each diamond, and watch as they are quickly transformed from bridal shower nibble to an elegant and irresistible delight.

Ingredients:

• 1 (11-oz.) soft, white goat cheese
• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp. water
• ½ cup bread crumbs or *Panko breading (see note below)
• ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped
• Canola oil for frying

Directions:

1. Prepare the fritters in advance. With a sharp knife dipped in hot water, cut cheese into 8 triangles, each about ¾ inch thick.

2. Line up three small bowls, put the flour in one bowl. Beat the eggs with the water in the second bowl, and put the breadcrumbs and walnuts in the third bowl.

3. Roll each piece of cheese in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip each flour-coated round of cheese into the egg mixture, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat, and set aside. Fritters may be prepared ahead up to this point and refrigerated for several hours or overnight.

4. Just before serving, fry the goat cheese fritters. Heat a half inch of oil to 375 degrees, or until a cube of bread floats immediately to the top and sizzles. Fry the breaded cheese, 2 or three pieces at a time, for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden, and transfer directly from hot oil to a serving dish.

5. Serve with a bead of green tomato or cranberry chutney on top and crispy bread of your choice.

* Bread crumbs used in Japanese cooking for coating fried foods. They're coarser than those normally used in the United States and create a deliciously crunchy crust. Panko is sold in Asian markets