Mini Goat Cheese Ball Skewers with Popped Amaranth, Rosemary and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

 

Every family has their way for Thanksgiving: their turkey, Grandma’s pumpkin pie, seating assignments, specific beverages and what time dinner will actually start. My family is no different.
We start at 2pm every year and if I even think about suggesting a different menu item I’d get the look.  Last year I managed to sneak in a few variations of Brussels sprouts and green beans, which were surprisingly welcomed…but still. Don’t mess with tradition.

Perhaps this is why I’m the exact opposite. I crave diversity in food, even at Thanksgiving. Variety is the spice of life, so why now mix it up? In fact, I envision a time with my own children where each year we have a new theme for Thanksgiving. One year we’ll have an Italian flare to each dish, the next we’ll go vegetarian (if I can live without the turkey) and then maybe even attempt deep-frying the bird. One idea that really gets me excited is the idea of a tapas and small plates-style Thanksgiving.

This is where I’d serve my recipe for Mini Goat Cheese Ball Skewers with Popped Amaranth, Rosemary and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Not only are these goat cheese skewers mini and fun, but they pack a power food punch. They include the tiny ancient herb seed, amaranth. It’s high in protein and fiber, and also contains all of the essential amino acids.

Instead of cooking in water or adding it to a bread, I toasted the amaranth until it popped, much like popcorn. This is the best part of making the appetizer. So fun and incredibly fast and easy. Then the popped amaranth encrusts a creamy, tantalizing and tangy goat cheese that is skewered onto a toothpick with fresh arugula and sun-dried tomatoes for richness and balance.

Who knows, maybe these will make an appearance at my family’s Thanksgiving table this year. Don’t be surprised. Give these Mini Goat Cheese Ball Skewers a try, they’re a wonderful twist on a Thanksgiving appetizer. You can get my recipe over on the Bob's Red Mill Blog.

Other goat cheese recipes you may like:
Vegetarian Pasta with Fried Kale, Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese on Kalyn's Kitchen
Leek-Goat Cheese Tart on Cafe Johnsonia
Farm Salad with Spiced Goat Cheese Croutons on Vintage Mixer