GOAT CHEESE AND BACON RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spread pecans in ungreased shallow pan. Bake uncovered 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light brown. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon 10 minutes, until crisp, stirring frequently. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. Cook garlic in bacon drippings 1 minute.
• In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add half-and-half, beating until combined. Stir in bacon, garlic, goat cheese and 2 teaspoons thyme. Spoon mixture into ungreased 1-quart casserole or 4 (8-oz) individual baking dishes (ramekins).
• Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with toasted pecans. Serve dip warm with pear slices, baguette slices and crackers.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, stir together the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Transfer to a 1-quart baking dish or ovenproof skillet, and spread into an even layer. Bake until warmed through and bubbling, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, then add the dates to the bacon fat in the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the insides are warm and the outsides blister, about 1 minute.
• Top the baked cheese with the dates and bacon, and garnish as you wish. Serve at once.