A cranberry swirl makes this goat cheese dip sparkle
When you are lucky enough to be standing in front of a holiday spread with a plate in hand, it's tempting to dive right in. But I suggest pausing for a moment to appreciate just how spectacular everything looks.
Chances are, a lot of care went into the meal's presentation: brilliantly colored produce scattered throughout, an array of cheeses, fruit and nuts arranged just so on the cheeseboard, and elaborately decorated desserts trying to steal the spotlight.
Get the recipe: Whipped Goat Cheese With a Cranberry Swirl
Holiday cooking is often a time-consuming labor of love, and it's something worth appreciating. But I've discovered it's also possible to make dishes with holiday flair that have all of the love without much labor.
This dip is all the proof needed. With streaks of cranberry sauce whimsically swirled into a creamy base of whipped goat cheese, then showered with orange zest and walnuts, it looks and tastes like holiday joy. Those enthusiastically dipping crackers into it would never guess how easy this dip is to make.
Start by cooking a small batch of cranberry sauce seasoned with orange zest and juice. If you happen to have cranberry sauce from a previous meal, you can use that instead and skip this step; or zhuzh up store-bought canned cranberry sauce with the citrus. Once the cranberry mixture is cool, stir in a handful of chopped, toasted walnuts, or any nut you like, for texture and crunch.
The cheese layer is simply chevre (fresh goat cheese) and a little milk whirred together to form a smooth, fluffy whip. Transfer that to a serving bowl, swirl in the cranberry sauce, sprinkle with orange zest and more nuts, and that's all there is to it.
You wind up with a fun, red-and-white dip that delivers all festive vibes with hardly any effort.
Get the recipe: Whipped Goat Cheese With a Cranberry Swirl
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
39 Outdoor Toys And Activities To Keep Your Kids Busy
Waterproof playing cards so your kids can get a fierce game of Go Fish going without worrying if their already-wet-from-the-pool hair drips onto the cards. Or a waterproof version of the beloved Taco, Cat, Goat Cheese, Pizza game — it's a card game you can play with your family for guaranteed giggles and a way to catch your breath from traipsing around in the ocean. A watermelon pool ball made of PVC material that'll hold up stronger than your willpower when your kiddo makes their eyes super big and very sweetly asks for an ice cream cone. Be warned: this isn't just any beach ball! It can be dribbled underwater (I KNOOOOW!), can be inflated in seconds with a water hose using an included needle-sized disaster, and weighs over 14 lbs when it's full! Crab-shaped mesh bags and sifters tykes can use to gather all the exciting treasures they find while strolling along the beach or, honestly, even in their own backyard! Reusable water balloons made of eco-friendly material — sooooo easy to fill so you'll spend less time prepping and more time indulging in an intense water balloon battle alongside your kiddos. Or a hilarious poop-shaped version your kids won't be able to stop giggling about all summer long. All they'll need to do is fill it with water and let the magnetic seal do the rest. A set of sand castle molds that'll solidify your "cool parent" status when you break 'em out at the beach and help your kiddos craft a structure worthy of a prince or princess. A too-cute set of silicone beach toys in, dare I say, rather aesthetically pleasing colors you'll be proud to hand off to your kids for a day of fun in the sun. And collapsible buckets you'll love because they won't take up precious cargo space in your trunk — which you and I both know is packed to the brim when you bring your kids anywhere, let alone the beach. A massive 160-piece pack of sidewalk chalk they'll be *so* excited over they might just forget to pester you about extra screen time — encourage them to create all kinds of art at the playground or leave funny pictures for passersby. A hook and ring game that'll take up minimal space — if you don't have a huge area to work with you'll still be able to set up some fun for your kids. A sea shell art and crafts kit featuring glow-in-the-dark paint for the tiny Picasso in your home that would love nothing more than to create their own beachy masterpiece. A rainbow kite you and your family can break out and live your best Mary Poppins life (as long as there's enough of a breeze). Alexa, play "Let's Go Fly a Kite." A splurge-worthy balance bike that'll have your restless mini-me boppin' out the front door and speeding down the block the minute you say, "OK, FINE!" It'll teach your kiddo to learn how to ride pedal-free (so impressive). An incredibly useful sandbox with a lid that opens up to double as benches for kiddos to sit on while they play. The lid will ensure you can keep it up and running throughout the fall without leaves and other outdoor debris sneaking in. Or a smaller (but equally fun) Step2 sandbox that won't take up as much space in your backyard but will have more than enough room for your minis to play in all afternoon. It comes with a lid to keep the sand dry when not in use (and prevent little critters from hanging out in it overnight). Banzai Bump N' Bounce Body Bumpers you can count on to elicit full blown belly laughs — from both kids and adults. How could you not? You're gonna want to have your phone at-the-ready for this one. A geode-breaking activity from National Geographic that'll give you and your kids an excuse to pick up a hammer and smash rocks in half. The best part? The cracked-open rocks will reveal stunning crystal centers you can learn about together. A construction-themed folding play set complete with kinetic sand, a dump truck, a working crane, a wrecking ball, and bucket attachments to keep kiddos entertained for houuuuurs — it even includes a carrying kit to contain the mess to one space (ideally). A saucer swing that'll quickly become your kid's favorite place to hang (literally). It holds up to 700 pounds (WHOA!) so feel free to let multiple tykes pile on for some fun! Or a platform swing that'll help you make the most out of that suuuper old tree in your yard while also giving your child a place to burn off some energy without leaving the confines of your yard. A lawn mower your mini-me will love because it'll release bubbles as they push it and they'll get to pretend they're just like whichever lucky parent cuts the lawn every weekend. A giant bubble kit, so enchanting, even the most angsty of kids won't be able to resist giving them a go. It even comes with two packets of biodegradable bubble solution and a tips and tricks booklet to help you make the best (and biggest!) bubbles ever. And a bubble machine that'll have your toddler scoffing at the old handheld bubble wands they're used to seeing — this one will take playtime to the next level without filling the house with extra noise. A Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster your little one will want to ride again and again (and agaaaaaain! Toddlers, man). The ramp and car also fit into the base for easy storage. A classic Little Tikes slide you may have had when *you* were a kid — it's extremely easy to set up and will provide your mini-me with hours of fun (just wait until they discover they can climb back up the slide all on their own). A kids' bow and arrow with foam-tipped arrows, so your tween who just finished reading The Hunger Games for the first time can embrace their inner-Katniss and indulge in some (safe) target practice. A John Deere Ride On Tractor you won't be able to resist splurging on for your vehicle-loving kiddo — it'll be a great way to keep them entertained this spring while also teaching them how to help out around the yard. Sounds like a parenting win to me. A Doona Liki Trike that'll grow with your tyke — first you can push them along in it as a stroller, then transform it into a push tricycle, and finally turn it into a toddler tricycle. Your kiddo will have so much fun in the sun with this trike. ☀️ A 2-in-1 checkers and tic-tac-toe game with checkers on one side and tic-tac-toe on the other, a must-have for any family who would rather exercise their brain muscles. A ring toss set to help all the neighborhood kiddos work on their hand-eye coordinator and encourage some ~friendly~ competition. Flickin' Chicken — a game that will have your family cackling from the first time you play. Players are encouraged to make up their own rules so you'll have a different experience every time. Boredom? I don't know her. Spikeball, an easy-to-transport game that is kinda like volleyball and will have your kids asking you to bring it to every outdoor adventure. A miniature golf set you can use to create a course right in your backyard — no need to spend a bunch of money taking the entire family out for mini golf. You and your kids can get crafty and set up all kinds of challenging obstacles to make it different each time you play. A bug catching kit for curious kiddos who would love nothing more than to get a closer look at some creepy crawlers then set 'em free. A classic Little Tikes basketball set — you'll finally be able to show off your *~skillz~* to your kids while teaching them how to shoot some baskets. This addition to your yard will surely be a slam dunk. 😉 An adjustable tee ball set so your little slugger can practice their swing whenever the mood *strikes* (hehe) — no need to schlep to a batting cage! An incredible Step2 canopy play patio complete with a faux grill, a sand table, a water table, and a snack station — it'll make your tyke feel like they're vacationing at an all-inclusive resort whenever they step inside. (Not that they even know what that means, but you do!) Or a kid's BBQ set that'll match the one you cook burgers and hot dogs on regularly during the summer — now they can play alongside you instead of asking, "Is dinner ready yet? Is it ready yet?" It has realistic sounds, lights, and lets out steam like an actual grill!
Buzz Feed
21 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
36 Fun Products For Frugal Shoppers
Playful clips that are as practical as they are pretty — they'll hold your towel in place on your chair so you won't have to chase it across the pool deck and can focus on more important things like sipping on a Diet Coke and making sure your tyke isn't peeing in the kiddie pool. A waterproof version of the beloved Taco, Cat, Goat Cheese, Pizza game — it's a card game you can play with your family for guaranteed giggles and a way to catch your breath from traipsing around in the ocean. Hilarious poop-shaped reusable water balloons your kids won't be able to stop cackling about all summer long. All you'll need to do is fill it with water and let the magnetic seal do the rest. A tiny bookshelf that'll quickly become your favorite way to de-stress after a long work day — shake it to send the teeny books flying, then (after a restorative deep breath) put them back on the shelf. My apologies to your rage room membership, this might just be the solution you need. Polarized heart-shaped sunglasses with rainbow mirrored lenses for the finishing touch on the flawless outfits you've put together to wear while boppin' between Pride celebrations this month. Or some oversize square sunnies if you've got Bottega Veneta taste but an average-human-who-works-9-to-5 budget. These will easily transform your summer looks without literally breaking your piggy bank into a zillion pieces. A shaker of edible cocktail glitter, so just like Taylor Swift, you and your drinks can make the whole room ✨shiiiiiimmmerrrr.✨ Cheers to whipping the most fabulous bevs of the summer, my friend. And a heart-shaped silicone ice cube tray because summer is on its way, and so are your chilled bevs! Spruce up your iced coffees and Long Island iced teas with a little love in the form of these cubes. 💕 Plus a Java Sok to keep your drink chilled and prevent it from dripping all over your desk — it's a must-have for anyone who is tired of drinking watered-down iced coffee because they got caught up in a chaotic morning and didn't have a spare moment to sip on it. An Owala FreeSip water bottle in an exciting color that'll ensure no one ever picks up theirs by mistake while they're chatting up the cute lifeguard at the pool this summer. Not to mention, it's made of triple-layered, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that'll keep their drink cold for 24 hours *and* two ways to drink from it (a spout and a straw!) A rechargeable heated ice cream scoop so you won't have to wait for your Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey Ice Cream to soften before *literally* digging in. Not a moment to waste!!! And a super chic handpainted ice cream bowl that'll make you feel like you're delicately eating your favorite frozen treat in a trendy corner café instead of what you're actually doing: shoveling it down while trying not to drip it on your couch. A gold-plated paper clip necklace from affordable (and fabulous) jewelry brand Pavoi, whose sole mission seems to be finding a way to glam up all of our looks without having to gobble up all of our dollars. One reviewer even used it as a base to make a charm necklace! Or a dazzling tennis bracelet no one would guess cost you less than 20 bucks! It's 14-karat gold plated, has a reliable clasp, and will add the perfect amount of sparkle to their daily stack. Murdle, Volume 1, a compilation of murder mystery–themed logic puzzles that are reminiscent of the ever-popular Wordle game. This version will encourage you to use powers of deduction and a variety of clues to solve the mysteries throughout the book. Sherlock Holmes, who? A ribbed button-up tank that very likely could have inspired LFO's hit "Summer Girls" lyric, "I like girls that wear Abercrombie & Fitch," because it has *such* similar vibes to one of their trendiest pieces right now (but for way cheaper!) A tennis skirt with built-in shorts *and* an absolutely essential hidden pocket (who doesn't LOVE a pocket?!) so even if you have zero plans to hit the court (ever) you can rock the cutest little 'fit all summer without fear of a breeze revealing your fave pink undies to the world. A quilted leather crossbody purse that'll be reminiscent of the Chanel one you've always coveted but comes in fun colors the brand would never touch. One ticket to Compliment City, plz. A longline sports bra that'll function as a shirt or a bra — yes, she's a two-for-one special you'll daydream about throwing on the second you walk in the door after work. See ya later, business casual blazer! This beauty comes in 29 colors (SHEESH!) so you can truly load up and make it your post-workday uniform. Trendy boxer-style shorts you'll pat yourself on the back for choosing over the $98 ones from Reformation — I mean, should any pajama-like bottoms cost more than 10 bucks? Doubtful! These are cute to boot, affordable, and a huge win for your summer wardrobe. A packable floppy hat that'll fold up nice 'n' neatly in your tote bag and protect your pretty little face (it has built-in UPF 50!) so you can focus on more important things like what to order from the poolside bar. Or a darling denim baseball cap embroidered with cherry tomatoes because we all know that's your most prized crop, and it deserves its own moment in the sun (literally, atop your head). Tomato girl summer is here to STAY. Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops that'll be your secret summertime weapon — no one needs to know that you actually detest being out in the sun because the minute you expose your skin to the elements, you tend to burn to a crisp. This beauty (which is $33 cheaper than the Drunk Elephant version) will leave you with a natural-looking tan. A lightweight tinted lip balm with a touch of gloss that'll be perfect for anyone who wants to add some color to your pout but keep it looking au natural. It's super similar to the viral Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm. Nooni appleberry lip oil you'll likely need to order double of because once your sister catches wind of how good it looks on your lips, she's definitely going to try and steal it out of your purse. It'll leave a slight color and gloss on your pout while also working overtime to moisturize and strengthen it at the same time. A nostalgic Lip Smacker Rolly Lip Gloss with a cooling sensation that'll knock you right back into your childhood — except now you have Adult Money so you can buy all four scents from the jump. Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer filled with avocado oil and shea butter that'll revitalize your entire skincare routine for less than 12 bucks — talk about a cheap thrill! A Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball with a scent to transport you right into an island paradise anytime you apply it to your wrist. Is this what the Love Island villa smells like?! I'd like to think so. A moisturizing body wash inspired by the fancy (and not quite as affordable) Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume — body wash is filled with scents of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber and will make every shower feel like a luxury. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops that'll quickly become your most talked about skincare item after you see how incredible it'll leave your face looking and feeling. It's packed with hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid and can be used solely as a serum or mixed in with your go-to foundation for a hydrating boost your skin is likely craving. Reviewers love using it instead of the pricier (but VERY similar) Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Mise En Scene Perfect Serum you'll think was actually crafted by a witch in the woods who was tired of having dry, frizzy hair — this game-changing K-beauty hair oil will work wonders on your locks *and* for a fraction of the price of the famed $46 Gisou hair oil. You best set aside some time to write me a personalized thank you note for introducing you to your new favorite product. 😉 A shockingly realistic-looking soup can safe to stash your life savings in so you can live without the fear of your sibling and their grubby little paws trying to snatch it and spend it all on ice cream. A hilarious Stanley–inspired baby rattle for your mini bestie who, obviously, will be over the moon to have an emotional support tumbler like their fave auntie. You can even have their name added to it! A darling mini duffel bag for quick gym trips when all you need are your wallet, keys, and a water bottle. It has the sweetest bow accents that'll make you want to carry it all around town instead of just when you're headed to break a sweat. A "Spooky Cutie" stress relief coloring book from Coco Wyo (a TikTok famous brand known for creating the most adorable coloring books) featuring big, easy-to-color pictures you'll take one look at and want to scream, "THIS IS SO ADORABLE!!!!!" I'm giving you permission to crack this open and pretend it's nearly cozy szn even if summer has *just* made its debut. And some colored pencils with multi-colored tips that'll transform any boring coloring sesh into something straight out of your wildest dreams. I hope you're imagination is ready to put these babies to work!
Washington Post
18-12-2024
- Washington Post
A cranberry swirl makes this goat cheese dip sparkle
When you are lucky enough to be standing in front of a holiday spread with a plate in hand, it's tempting to dive right in. But I suggest pausing for a moment to appreciate just how spectacular everything looks. Chances are, a lot of care went into the meal's presentation: brilliantly colored produce scattered throughout, an array of cheeses, fruit and nuts arranged just so on the cheeseboard, and elaborately decorated desserts trying to steal the spotlight. Get the recipe: Whipped Goat Cheese With a Cranberry Swirl Holiday cooking is often a time-consuming labor of love, and it's something worth appreciating. But I've discovered it's also possible to make dishes with holiday flair that have all of the love without much labor. This dip is all the proof needed. With streaks of cranberry sauce whimsically swirled into a creamy base of whipped goat cheese, then showered with orange zest and walnuts, it looks and tastes like holiday joy. Those enthusiastically dipping crackers into it would never guess how easy this dip is to make. Start by cooking a small batch of cranberry sauce seasoned with orange zest and juice. If you happen to have cranberry sauce from a previous meal, you can use that instead and skip this step; or zhuzh up store-bought canned cranberry sauce with the citrus. Once the cranberry mixture is cool, stir in a handful of chopped, toasted walnuts, or any nut you like, for texture and crunch. The cheese layer is simply chevre (fresh goat cheese) and a little milk whirred together to form a smooth, fluffy whip. Transfer that to a serving bowl, swirl in the cranberry sauce, sprinkle with orange zest and more nuts, and that's all there is to it. You wind up with a fun, red-and-white dip that delivers all festive vibes with hardly any effort. Get the recipe: Whipped Goat Cheese With a Cranberry Swirl
