Appetizers and Starters

Preserved Lemon Risotto
This is risotto has a bright lemon flavor that is moreish. To make a creamy delicious risotto it’s not as difficult as it seems. In this recipe, you add all the liquid at once; giving you time to do something else.
8 servings as an appetizer or a side dish 6 as a main course

Savory Goat Cheesecake with Tapenade
Everyone loves cheesecake and this recipe is a delicious twist. This savory cheesecake is a creamy blend of goat and cream cheese with a handful of fresh herbs. To add zing, I top it with tapenade. Goat cheesecake makes a striking centerpiece for your hors d' oeuvres table.
Makes 1- 7-inch cheesecake

Crust:
2/3 cup fine, bread crumbs, lightly toasted
1/3 cup walnuts, ground
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Butter for the cheesecake pan

Butternut Squash Galette
Galettes are best eaten warm from the oven. All you need to add is a salad and glass of wine for a fall meal.
Serves 6

Pâte Brisée (see recipe)
3 ounces pecorino* cheese, grated
2 pounds butternut squash, peeled seeded and cut into ¼1/8-inch slices
1 tablespoon butter melted
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel
Whipped cream with sea salt(see recipe)