by Katrina Hall
Member since:
January 19, 2006

A Little Pizazz: homemade Herb Cheese

May 10, 2008 08:10 PM EDT
views: 605 | rating: 10/10 (44 votes) | comments: 130

Okay, so you've roasted a chicken and are about to serve it.  Suddenly you think - oh no!  What else should I serve with it?

Or....you boil up some potatoes, whip them up with butter and salt and then - well, you've got whipped potatoes, which are wonderful on their own, but.....what's missing here?

You're making a sandwich for a bring-from-home lunch.  You've got the roast beef, the bread, the lettuce and.......mayo?  sweet butter?

Or....you've poached some splendid fish, fresh from the market, but it needs something else besides the usual lemon wedges - but what?

 Hold onto your hats, because I have the perfect solution to all four queries - homemade herb cheese!  It's tangy with lemon and tarragon, and smooth and creamy with sweet butter and cream cheese - chock full of exciting herby tastes like garlic and parsley and mustard.  Never again will you sigh and wish for ...... just something different!

 Several months ago, I wrote about this, describing it as "boursin-style", but then I bought some boursin and compared it to this herb cheese.  The "boursin" was fluffy and mild, while this herb cheese was definitely creamy and silky - and powerful with flavor.  I'd take this any day over the "boursin".

You can serve it all the ways above, and even serve it with a platter of crunchy celery, radishes, avocado, baby carrots, olives, and homemade or bought tasty crackers or flatbread.

To make:

8 oz. soft cream cheese

1 stick soft unsalted butter

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1/2 t. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 t. dry mustard or Dijon

1 T. minced fresh parsley

1 T. fresh minced chives

1 T. fresh tarragon, or 1 t. dried ( which I like better - the dried, I mean)

1-2 garlic cloves, pressed

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all of the above in a mixer bowl and press into a pretty , but small, container, if you're serving it with vegetables.  Otherwise, just scrape into a plastic or glass container and use until gone.  And it goes fast!

 

 

With the summer months ahead, and picnics and al fresco dinners on the beach or terrace, this is a truly wonderful addition - I can just imagine how amazing this would be with fresh, cooked lobster!  Oh, yum!And potato salad?  Awesome!
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Comments: 130

Laurun M. May 10, 2008, 8:33pm EDT
I printed this one up Katrina because it sounds like it is really delicious.
Janet Somewhere Up On The Mount May 10, 2008, 8:34pm EDT
Thanks! This looks and sounds delicious.
A keeper.
Katrina Hall May 10, 2008, 8:36pm EDT
Oh, you'll love it, Laurun! And lucky you, being on the seashore with fresh lobsters and fish! Yum-o! Thanks for checking this out............
Katrina Hall May 10, 2008, 8:37pm EDT
Hi Janet! It's just a wonderful condiment to have around! And now, of course, is a great time to make it with all those fresh chives popping up. Delighted you liked it - thanks!
Madame Donna C. May 10, 2008, 8:47pm EDT
Katrina, I've never enjoyed the texture of supermarket Boursin so when you posted your earlier recipe last year, I was all over it and in the kitchen whipping it up. I love a good soft spreading cheese for all kinds of things, including making chicken roulades filled with spinach and herb cheese. The store bought stuff has too much air in it for my taste. Your Herb Cheese is head and shoulders above the prepackaged stuff.
Faith H. May 10, 2008, 8:48pm EDT
Yummm....this sounds sooo good, Katrina. I can always count on you for the punched up recipe. Thanks!
Dorine H. May 10, 2008, 8:52pm EDT
This sound wonderful.
j - Frugal Mom - r. May 10, 2008, 10:12pm EDT
It sounds and looks delicious Katrina!
Cristina S. May 11, 2008, 2:40am EDT
This sounds awesome Katrina!
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 7:13am EDT
Mme D - oh my! I hope you post your recipe for those incredible sounding roulades! Yum, yum, yum! Honored you prefer this herb cheese over the supermarket brand - and I do agree about the airiness ( too much) and I detected an aftertaste I didn't like in the store bought. Thanks - and don't forget to post that recipe!
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 7:16am EDT
Hey, Faith! Now I feel a little like Emeril, with the "punched-up"! Kinda like "BAM", isn't it? Delighted you enjoyed the recipe, and I know you'll find lots of ways to use it! Many thanks for popping by - oh, and Happy Mother's Day!
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 7:16am EDT
Thanks, Dorine!
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 7:16am EDT
Delighted, j r!
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 7:18am EDT
Hi, Cristina! At least you'll be able to make this recipe - I'm assuming cream cheese is the same in Germany, or no?
Such a wonderful taste, this herb cheese has, and I'm sure you'll love it. Thanks!
becky soccer mom x1 p. May 11, 2008, 9:19am EDT
thanks this sounds great
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 11:44am EDT
Thanks, Becky!
☀ Aunt Shanny May 11, 2008, 12:03pm EDT
Sounds good. I will probably serve this with some type of homemade cracker. Do you think that would work?
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 2:12pm EDT
Absolutely, Shannon! Flatbread, rustic homemade, rye - it really goes with everything. Did you see Mme. Donna's idea above - chicken rollups with herb cheese and spinach! The only thing I can think that may not go well with herb cheese is certain fruits...
Marian L May 11, 2008, 2:53pm EDT
Sounds very good. I have a similar recipe I use in the summer when I have fresh herbs in the garden.
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 5:55pm EDT
Nothing like fresh herbs straight out of the garden, right, Marian? They are so inspiring and such a delight! Thanks for reading!
Ms. Meacham: Money Maven May 11, 2008, 6:52pm EDT
I love the idea of serving this with homemade crackers. Gourmet, yet oh so frugal. There are so many other great ideas here for how to give this buttery-rich spread a try. I remember your boursin recipe, and intended to give it a shot with burgers. Since then I've found an artichoke and spinach cheese spread that's a quick substitute on burgers. I'll definitely give this one a shot now that I have homemade crackers in mind....
Ms. Meacham: Money Maven May 11, 2008, 6:53pm EDT
P.S. I'll be featuring this recipe on Frugal Eats tomorrow.
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 7:02pm EDT
Thanks, Ms. meacham - and delighted you enjoyed!
☀ Aunt Shanny May 11, 2008, 7:25pm EDT
Another question: What about adding minced ham?
Katrina Hall May 11, 2008, 8:02pm EDT
Hummm, I guess I wouldn't , Shannon, but if you're making it and want to try it - why not?
suey v. May 11, 2008, 8:07pm EDT
I was thinking homemade bacon bits!!
LaRue B. May 11, 2008, 8:44pm EDT
Sounds really good.
vickey w May 11, 2008, 9:07pm EDT
Thanks so much, I would really like this one.
Christine G. May 11, 2008, 9:19pm EDT
Sounds good. Thanks for sharing.
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 7:01am EDT
Give it a try, suey - that's what cooking is all about!
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 7:02am EDT
It really is, LaRue - hope you get to try it! Thanks!
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 7:03am EDT
Delighted you enjoyed the recipe, vickey! Thanks!
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 7:04am EDT
Thanks for stopping by , Christine - and enjoy the herb cheese!
Μόףףý ● ķ ~ May 12, 2008, 8:15am EDT
This sounds like a keeper~!
Pamela L. May 12, 2008, 9:02am EDT
Sounds yummy, and versatile. I'll be trying it.
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 9:39am EDT
Definitely, Moggy!
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 9:40am EDT
Versatile - absolutely, Pamela! I think you'll really enjoy it - thanks!
Aaron Lazar, (author of LeGarde Mysteries) May 12, 2008, 10:15am EDT
Katrina, this sounds scrumptious! I'm going to pick up the ingredients tonight on the way home. (I am salivating here!) Thank you!!!
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 11:18am EDT
Thanks, Aaron! Let me know how you use it - no doubt on some goodies from your garden!
Duckie 1 May 12, 2008, 11:23am EDT
That's a LOT of Pizzazz in my book! Thanks for a tasty recipe that's being saved now for later use...!
Jennifer F. May 12, 2008, 11:24am EDT
Once I bought a box of crackers just because I wanted the recipe for the cheese spread that was somewhat similar to your recipe, except for that it had bits of broccoli and red peppers. I'm going to print out your recipe too. This year our herbs have taken off and I think that we would really enjoy your herb cheese with some smoked salmon on crackers on a hot summer's day.
Amy B. May 12, 2008, 2:12pm EDT
Sounds yummy! I love tarragon, so it's great to see another recipe where I can use it. I have to print this out before I forget!
Steph A. May 12, 2008, 2:13pm EDT
Sounds really good! My kids love cheese, so maybe this would help them eat their celery.
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 2:40pm EDT
Hi Duckie! You strike me as the kind of person that would LOVE this herb cheese! I'm delighted you stopped by to read - and save the recipe. Thanks!
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 2:41pm EDT
Oh Jennifer - smoked salmon sounds so delicious with this herb cheese! Thanks for the suggestion!
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 2:42pm EDT
Another tarragon lover, Amy! I'm not sure there are that many of us! We love it (obviously) - my Tuscan Tomato Soup also has quite a lot of tarragon, good and tangy! Thanks for reading!
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 2:45pm EDT
Steph, I think it depends on the kids - it might be too garlicy for them, but maybe not. It's so good on celery! I eat celery and herb cheese instead of chips - oh, and slices of red and green peppers are good with this, too. And slices of tomato . And sugar snap peas.....my, the list goes on, now that I think about it. Thanks for stopping by!
Maureen Sullivan Stemberg May 12, 2008, 7:25pm EDT
Katrina, I think this sounds sooooo great. I'm going to give this a try. Also, great photo's! ~mo-zy
Prima Donna May 12, 2008, 7:55pm EDT
Sounds good. I started an herb garden this year.
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 9:36pm EDT
Mo~zy! Long time no see! Thanks for swinging by to check out this awesome, tasty herb cheese! I bet you'll love it.......hope all is going well for you
Katrina Hall May 12, 2008, 9:40pm EDT
Oh, how wonderful, Prima! Herbs are addictive - you start with 3 and end up with 33! Enjoy your new garden! Thanks for reading and I think you'll love the recipe!
jessie voigts May 14, 2008, 9:56am EDT
yum! i love this stuff. i will make your recipe today! thank you!
Katrina Hall May 14, 2008, 6:36pm EDT
Always nice to hear that, jessie. Is it too strong for Lillie's taste buds? ( oh ho - more for you!) Thanks for stopping by to read - and let me know how it turns out!
Lori Cee (rest in peace, jJack.) May 14, 2008, 8:24pm EDT
i agree with moggy. this recipe is definitely a keeper.
Katrina Hall May 14, 2008, 9:11pm EDT
Glad you liked, lori cee! I just checked the fridge, hoping I had overlooked the last little bit of the herb cheese...........but no. It went like a flash, and I keep thinking of more and more foods to use it with! Thanks!
Richard Frisbie May 16, 2008, 6:18pm EDT
Thanks Katrina. This looks like a tasty and easy to make addition to any meal.
Katrina Hall May 17, 2008, 8:39pm EDT
Ah, Richard - I know you'll find lots of ways to use this! Thanks so much for coming by to take a look!
elizabeth e. May 18, 2008, 5:31pm EDT
Oh my, katrina, my mouth is just watering.
Katrina Hall May 18, 2008, 5:39pm EDT
Oh, this is SO good, elizabeth - but did you see Madame D's chicken roulades made with this? You'll just faint.....
Thanks for taking a look!
Karen R. May 23, 2008, 9:58pm EDT
This sounds really good, I am printing it out. Thanks for sharing.
Katrina Hall May 24, 2008, 6:39am EDT
Delighted you liked the recipe, Karen!
I saw Donna's article & am glad I came here to see your recipe.
This sounds really good. I am not fond of store made dips, & look forward to trying this one!
Katrina Hall May 29, 2008, 10:22pm EDT
I think you'll really like this, JOY - it's so much better than store-bought! I still haven't made Donna's chicken, but soon, soon. Looking forward to it with huge anticipation! Thanks for coming by!
Jenna is around here somewhere s. Jun 7, 2008, 3:38am EDT
Printed :) thanks I'm gonna try it with donnas chicken dish...A big thanks to both of you :))
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Jun 17, 2008, 6:29pm EDT
ooohhhhhhhhh!!!! Wish I hadn't given up dairy--this looks fabulous. ohhhhhhhhhhhh!
Katrina Hall Jun 17, 2008, 7:36pm EDT
Jenna - thanks for reminding me! Time to make more and do Donna's chicken breasts which look AWESOME!
Katrina Hall Jun 17, 2008, 7:38pm EDT
That IS too bad, Mary! Sorry to tempt you - but maybe they make a fake cream cheese? I have no idea. I should look into that because my son suddenly became lactose-intolerant. Thanks for stopping by - even if it ended up frustrating you!
Mariana T. Jun 22, 2008, 7:18pm EDT
My mouth is watering as I sit here eating chips and salsa and read this exotic cheese- sounds very good - actually delicious just for eating alone...thank you Katrina. Salud.
Katrina Hall Jun 22, 2008, 9:11pm EDT
It is a wonderful dip/condiment, Mariana! Think on chicken, baked potatoes, sandwiches, anything for Le Picnic, and yes, chips ( especially tortilla chips), too. Glad you liked this and thanks for coming by!
David C. Jul 6, 2008, 9:08am EDT
that looks tasty! along similar lines, I've been making herbed butters more lately to have on hand.
Katrina Hall Jul 6, 2008, 12:01pm EDT
David, I love herb butters! Always wished I had some of those old butter molds for a fancy look - thanks for reminding me!
Shelbia C. Jul 12, 2008, 1:26pm EDT
Looks good
Katrina Hall Jul 12, 2008, 1:55pm EDT
Thank you, Shelbia!
William Dotani Jul 15, 2008, 1:34am EDT
Iimagine the chives and the garlic make this dish have zest. Sometimes a sauce has too much zest. I have found a bit of marjoram brings out a bit of sweetness or more of a mild taste.
Katrina Hall Jul 15, 2008, 3:30pm EDT
You're talking to the wrong person about zest and lively herb flavor, William! I love a bold taste of herb in just about everything - except bananas and Cheerios! Thanks for taking a look and hope you might someday enjoy this!
Barbary Chaapel Jul 18, 2008, 2:07pm EDT
Hmmmm...Roast chicken and this cheese. A new idea for me. Thank you, Katrina.
Katrina Hall Jul 18, 2008, 2:45pm EDT
Barbary - I serve slices of chicken with a dollop of this on top - or in sandwiches - awesome! Thanks for coming by to see!
I'll try any cheese, anywhere - I love the stuff. I might even have a crack at this, Katrina.
Katrina Hall Jul 21, 2008, 11:26am EDT
Magi, I bet you'd love it! I just looked and saw 234 people have looked at this recipe! Boy, that's a lot of herb cheese lovers......thanks for the swing by!
Sonia M. Jul 27, 2008, 1:04pm EDT
Katrina, you published this one when I was not able to come into Gather too often and I missed it. The recipe sounds wonderful and I will be making it. I already printed it out
;-)
Katrina Hall Jul 27, 2008, 8:16pm EDT
Thanks, Sonia ! Delighted you found this, because I'm sure you can think of a zillion ways to use it, and (she said modestly) it really is delicious!
Sonia M. Jul 27, 2008, 11:01pm EDT
;-) I'm already thinking.....thanks again!
Katrina Hall Jul 28, 2008, 10:44am EDT
I knew it!
Delaune Michel Aug 6, 2008, 11:51pm EDT
reading this made me SO hungry!! and it's midnight - not a good time for a snack. or maybe it is!!
;)
Katrina Hall Aug 7, 2008, 7:26am EDT
Midnight, and you're up, Delaune? Ah-ha! You must have been successfully attacking a closet, yes? This herb cheese on crackers or a lovely slab of rustic bread is the perfect midnight snack - aside from the waft of garlic that might, or might not, wake up your husband once you're off to the land of Nod!
Jo C. Aug 17, 2008, 3:19pm EDT
I'm printing this one!
Katrina Hall Aug 17, 2008, 4:39pm EDT
Ah darn, Jo - I wish I had the makings for this right this minute! But thanks for reminding me - I'll make some tomorrow.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Aug 18, 2008, 8:48pm EDT
Ah, this sounds and looks fabulous.... I don't have the ingredients at the moment, but I'm going to have to try this one.
Mariana T. Aug 18, 2008, 9:45pm EDT
Katrina - now, I want some of it all - when can I come visit? Salud
Mariana T. Aug 18, 2008, 9:46pm EDT
Everything sounds mouth-watering!!!! I love good cheeses - herb cheese - wonderful recipe - thank you! Have a wonderful evening. Salud
Katrina Hall Aug 19, 2008, 7:10am EDT
Oh Heather, this is so, so good - and I'll kick myself tonight if I forget to get the ingredients today for more..............
Katrina Hall Aug 19, 2008, 7:11am EDT
Anytime, Mariana! I know you're going to make this a staple once you try it - it's soooooo good and you can eat it with everything! Salud right back atcha..........
René Allen Sep 1, 2008, 7:09pm EDT
Oh this looks sooo good Katrina! Thank you for sharing this.

Blessings ~
Rene
Katrina Hall Sep 2, 2008, 12:32pm EDT
Thanks, Rene! You'll make this over and over, I'm sure, once you've tasted it - it is that good!
brenda c. Sep 2, 2008, 12:35pm EDT
pass the crackers and carrots.
Katrina Hall Sep 2, 2008, 12:37pm EDT
And the celery, roast chicken, and pear slices! Yummy yum! Thanks for swinging by, brenda!
Alison H. Sep 8, 2008, 2:32am EDT
This sounds fabulous! Sometimes I buy cream cheese and don't know what to do with it. Now I do!!
Katrina Hall Sep 8, 2008, 4:21pm EDT
It's really good, Alison - so much so I think you'll be buying cream cheese weekly now! Speaking of which, time to make another batch...........thanks!
Katrina Hall Sep 11, 2008, 7:00am EDT
Oh, I KNOW you're going to love it, arleen! Thanks for swinging by - I love your articles!