Herbed Goat's Cheese Toasts

Makes 12

A herb-fresh, tangy cheese is the perfect kick-start to a springtime meal. Look for soft, fresh goat’s cheese rather than a firmer, mature one. Serve at the start or the end of a meal with a glass of wine.

Ingredients for herbed goat's cheese toasts

250g soft goat’s cheese log
2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 tbsp soft thyme leaves
1 tbsp finely snipped chives
1 tsp grated lemon zest
Coarsely ground black pepper
3 slices dark rye or pumpernickel bread (pre-sliced, square-cut)

Preparation method for herbed goat's cheese toasts

1. Chop the parsley and thyme leaves quite finely, and mix with the chives, lemon zest and pepper.

2. Roll the cheese in the herbs on all sides, lightly patting it to help it stick.

3. Toast the rye bread until crisp and cut each slice into four.

4. Serve the cheese with the toasts and an extra grind of black pepper.