Best Cheese Moons Recipes

POLENTA HALF-MOONS WITH WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook's Note: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange the pine nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly toasted, 6-8 minutes. Cool completely before using.
• For the polenta: Preheat the broiler. Bring 3 cups water and the salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the polenta and continue to stir until the polenta is thick, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the polenta to a sheet of parchment paper. Roll the polenta into a 2 1/2-diameter log. Refrigerate until cool, 30 minutes.
• Spray a heavy baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray. Slice the polenta into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Cut each slice of polenta in half to make half-moon shapes and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with the olive oil and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Broil until the cheese is golden, 6 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
• For the goat cheese: Beat the goat cheese, cream, basil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl using an electric hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 1 minute. Stir in the pine nuts.
• Using two spoons to measure, place 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon-size dollops of the goat cheese mixture on top of the polenta slices and serve.

SPICY SOUP WITH CHEESE MOONS

Steps:

• Season your favorite tomato soup with red pepper flakes and warm through. Cut several slices each of white bread and cheddar cheese into moon shapes. Top the bread with the cheese and broil until bubbly. Serve with the soup.

CHEESE MOONS

Steps:

• With an electric mixer, cream butter. Stir in grated cheeses. In separate bowl, mix flour, cayenne and salt. Add cheese mixture and mix well. Knead a few times on lightly floured board, Divide in four.
• Roll one piece out to about 1/8" thick (be sure there is enough flour to release dough from surface). Cut out shapes and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Shapes may be moons or stars or whatever festive cookie cutters you may have. When cookie sheet is full, brush each shape with egg, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts (or chopped red and green pistachios, for colour).
• Bake in preheated 375° oven for about 8 minutes or until golden brown. Warm them ina moderate oven before serving.
• Note: I'd personally use more than the stingy 1/2 tablespoons chopped nuts.