Goat Cheese Mousse with Red-Wine Caramel

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This crostini from Karen Small at the Flying Fig in Cleveland, topped with goat cheese mousse, red-wine caramel and strawberry compote, is a delightful example of a dish that combines sweet and savory. Each component can be used in a variety of sweet and savory ways: The caramel, for instance, is great drizzled over pecorino cheese or vanilla ice cream. More Desserts with Wine

By Karen Small

Updated on August 2, 2023

Tested by

Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Goat Cheese Mousse with Red-Wine Caramel — Photo: © Con Poulos

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 30 mins

Yield:

4

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Ingredients

2 cups dry red wine
1/2 cup ruby port
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 shallot, minced
2 thyme sprigs plus 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 cups strawberries, hulled (2 pints)
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
2 tablespoons water
One 11-ounce log of fresh goat cheese, softened
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Pinch of freshly ground pepper
Crostini and toasted walnuts, for serving

Directions

In a saucepan, bring the wine, port, black peppercorns, shallot, thyme sprigs and 1 cup of the sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Using a moistened pastry brush, wash down any sugar crystals on the side of the pan. Cook over moderate heat, without stirring, until syrupy and reduced to 1 cup, about 35 minutes. Strain and discard the solids. Let the caramel cool slightly.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, toss the strawberries, orange zest, water and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and let stand until juicy, about 30 minutes.
Bring the strawberries to a boil and simmer over moderate heat until slightly thickened and jammy, about 15 minutes. Transfer the compote to a bowl and let cool.
In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the goat cheese, cream, ground pepper and chopped thyme until creamy. Spoon the mousse into a bowl and serve with the compote, caramel, crostini and walnuts so guests can assemble their own.