Candied Pecan Cranberry Goat Cheese Truffles

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Course: Small Bites | Serves: 12 

These are the greatest sweet and savory goat cheese appetizers ever. Chevre balls are rolled in crushed candied pecans, craisins, green onion, and parsley. They look like little Christmas balls and are perfect for spreading on sourdough baguette slices, fruit or crackers. You can make the candied pecans or purchase candied pecans or pecan pralines. Inspired by Jenn Laughlin of Peas and Crayons https://peasandcrayons.com/mini-candied-pecan-cranberry-goat-cheese-balls/ 

Candied Pecans:

¼ cup butter 

½ cup brown sugar 

½ tsp salt

2 cups pecans 

¼ cup Kahlua liqueur

Chèvre Truffles:

10 oz goat cheese, sliced and rolled into 20 balls

½ cup candied pecans, chopped 

½ cup craisins, minced

6 Tbsp parsley, chopped 

6 Tbsp green onions, chopped 

¼ tsp cinnamon 

Sourdough baguette slices, crackers, extra candied pecans, honey, pretzels, apple slices, crostini, etc

In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and brown sugar together. Add salt, pecans, and Kahlua, then turn the heat down to low, stirring frequently. Cook over low heat and watch closely so they don’t burn until the pecans and caramel sauce brown and most of the liquid has been absorbed by the pecans. When done, pour nuts onto a silicon mat (or a piece of foil that has been sprayed with a bit of oil). Allow them to cool.

Chop ½ cup of candied pecans, craisins, parsley, and green onions rather finely, into a bowl, stir in the cinnamon, and roll the goat cheese balls in the mix until well coated. Place on a charcuterie board or platter with the bread, crackers, extra candied pecans, and other fun things to spread the cheese on.