Economy fridge emptying | Aperitif log

Once a month, our collaborator known for her culinary blog Vert Couleur Persil offers you a gourmet recipe to make with whatever is lying around in your fridge!

It’s time for aperitif. The time is for celebration. It’s time to take out your frozen blackberries and make them shine with this recipe that elegantly combines sweet and savory flavors. A log with festive flavors to amaze and delight your guests.

Three ingredients: Frozen blackberries, goat cheese, rosemary

Small log with goat cheese, blackberries and rosemary

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 3 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (125 ml) blackberries (frozen and thawed)
• 2 tbsp. tablespoon (30 ml) honey
• 1 C. tbsp (15 ml) water
• 2 tbsp. teaspoon (10 ml) fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 tsp. teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cardamom
• 1 large pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp. teaspoon (10 ml) camelina (or chia) seeds (see note)
• 250 g goat cheese (cylindrical shape)
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Baguette of bread or crackers, for serving

Preparation

1. In a small saucepan, add blackberries, honey, water, rosemary, cardamom, salt and pepper. Mix and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and, using a fork, mash the blackberries to obtain a uniform texture. Add the camelina (or chia) seeds and mix gently. Let cool completely. It is very important that the preparation has completely cooled before moving on to the next step.
2. On a work surface, spread a rectangular piece of reusable food wrap (or plastic wrap) large enough to completely cover the cheese cylinder. In the center, pour and spread a little blackberry compote, so as to reproduce the length and width of the cheese. Place the cheese on the compote and cover it evenly with the remainder contained in the small cauldron. Wrap the cheese with the film, pressing lightly. Twist the ends. Wrap the cheese with a second layer of film, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour 30 minutes before serving.
3. On a serving plate, place the cheese, slices of bread and crackers, then enjoy.

Note: Did you know there is a local option to replace chia seeds? In fact, it is the camelina seed, which grows here in Quebec.

Geneviève’s economic advice

As their name suggests, herbs are delicate and must be consumed quickly. A handy tip for storing your leftovers is to use an ice cube tray. A particularly simple method and ideal for more robust herbs, such as rosemary and sage. To do this, all you have to do is chop the herbs, divide them into the compartments of an ice cube tray, then cover them with vegetable oil. Then place the bin in the freezer. Once the oil ice cubes are frozen, transfer them to a reusable freezer bag, then place them back in the freezer. You can then use them for a stir-fry, a sauce or a vinaigrette, for example.