Cheese-filled Loaf

This original appetizer, combining the delicious fragrance of hot bread, the creaminess of melted goat cheese and the texture and flavor of walnuts, has the added advantage of being simple to prepare and to eat. Each person just cuts off a piece of bread and dips it in the cheese and walnut mixture in the middle.

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 10 min.

Cook Time: 10 min. for a medium-sized loaf

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized loaf of bread

7 oz Majorero de Fuerteventura cheese or other goat cheese

1.5 oz shelled walnuts

Preparation:

Choose a round loaf with a high top. Cut a slice off the top horizontally to serve as a lid. Empty out the center of the loaf using a sharp knife to make enough room for the slice of cheese (without the rind). Place a few walnuts on top of the cheese inside the bread, and cover with the bread lid. Bake at 390 degrees F for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melting. Serve immediately.

Note: Majorero de Fuerteventura cheese is native to the Canary Islands. If unavailable, substitute other goat cheeses such as "Drunken Goat" and Garrotxa.

Selected by María Jesús Gil de Antuñano
Recipe courtesy of Spain GourmeTour magazine.