Grape & Goat Cheese Lollipops Recipe

Grape & Goat Cheese Lollipops

1. 1

   Prepare ingredients

   Toast the walnuts: place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool, then chop finely. Snip chives into small pieces. Zest the lemon finely. If using wooden lollipop sticks, have them ready.

2. 2

   Make cheese mixture

   In a small bowl, combine the room-temperature goat cheese and softened cream cheese. Add the honey, lemon zest, a pinch of sea salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Use a fork or small spatula to blend until smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust honey or salt slightly to balance sweetness and tang.

3. 3

   Form cheese balls

   Using a teaspoon or small melon baller, portion about 1/2 tablespoon (roughly 10–12 grams) of the cheese mixture per grape. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth small ball. You should get approximately 24 small cheese balls (one per grape). Keep them chilled on a plate while you prepare the grapes.

4. 4

   Assemble lollipops

   Pat grapes dry with a paper towel. Insert a wooden lollipop stick or cocktail pick through each grape lengthwise, leaving enough stick as a handle. Gently press one cheese ball onto each grape so it adheres; if needed, dampen the base of the cheese ball slightly to help it stick. Roll the cheese-coated portion lightly in the chopped toasted walnuts so the nuts adhere to the cheese coating. Place assembled lollipops on a serving tray with the stick upright or laid flat.

5. 5

   Finish and garnish

   Sprinkle the snipped chives over the cheese-coated tops of the lollipops, pressing lightly so they stick. If desired, add a microgreen or small herb leaf on top of each lollipop for visual contrast. Drizzle a very small amount of honey over each completed lollipop (about 1/4 teaspoon each) or serve extra honey on the side for guests.

6. 6

   Chill and serve

   Cover the tray lightly and chill the lollipops in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set. Serve within 2 hours for best texture. Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; nuts may soften over time.