One of the easiest hors d’oeuvres that I make is marinated goat cheese balls, served alongside toasted pita, baguette slices, or crackers. In just ten minutes you can make and garnish a delicious, satisfying dish.

Marinated Goat Cheese Ball

1 8 oz. log of goat cheese (for each ball)
4 oz. kalamata olives
1/4 good quality olive oil
6- 10 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp. dried thyme)
zest of one lemon

Roll the log of goat cheese into a ball using your hands or saran wrap and place on a shallow serving dish. Arrange the olives around the cheese ball. Heat the olive oil in a small sauce pan on medium heat until hot, but not sizzling. If using fresh thyme, add the springs now. Add half of the lemon zest and stir. Turn off the heat under the pan. If using dried thyme, add after removing the pan from heat and stir. Pour the oil evenly over the goat cheese. Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest over the cheese and olives, garnish as you wish, and serve.