Goat Cheese

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr

If you can't get sorrel at your local market, arugula leaves or large basil leaves are a good alternative.

The goat cheese must be coated and refrigerated at least one hour (and up to eight hours) before cooking.

The goat cheese, when tossed with the hot pasta, melts and becomes a creamy sauce. We've learned that it's a good idea to taste your goat cheese before using it (or before buying it, if possible — one of the soft goat cheeses we tried seemed a bit too strong for this dish).

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This is very easy to prepare and it makes an elegant addition to any party.

Garden-fresh Thyme Pesto is the star of this elegant entrée, but you can also use purchased or homemade basil pesto.

To make this easy appetizer even easier, substitute store-bought roasted red bell peppers for the home-roasted ones.

Phyllo-wrapped goat cheese gives this salad served at Un Grand Café in Chicago, Illinois, an elegant touch.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"Years ago, I was working on a client at my hair salon when we realized that our conversations always led to food," writes Sandy Ercolano of Ridgewood, New Jersey. "She happened to be taking classes at a local cooking school and suggested that I come along. After one class, I was hooked. Now, in addition to running the salon, I’m an instructor at that same school." In this recipe the steak is broiled, but you can also grill it on your barbecue (over a medium-hot fire).

Tlacoyos con Queso de Cabra Traditionally these rustic cakes are made with a mashed bean filling. The goat cheese called for here adds a contemporary twist.