Ingredients
Method
Start with the goat cheese truffles:
- In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, honey, lavender buds, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
While the cheese mixture is chilling, prepare the honey-candied bacon:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix honey and brown sugar.
- Lay bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the honey mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
- Let cool, then chop finely.
For the fig compote:
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped figs, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and cinnamon stick.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Remove cinnamon stick and let cool.
Finish the goat cheese truffles:
- Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator.
- Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, portion out approximately 10g of the mixture for each truffle.
- Roll each portion into a ball, then roll in the chopped pistachios to coat.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another hour to set.
To serve:
- Arrange the truffles on a serving platter.
- Top each truffle with a small amount of fig compote and sprinkle with the candied bacon pieces.
- Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Here are some creative variations for the Lavender-Infused Goat Cheese Truffles with Honey-Candied Bacon and Fig Compote recipe:
- Herbed Goat Cheese Truffles
- Replace lavender with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Mix in 10g of finely chopped herbs into the goat cheese filling.
- Roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds instead of pistachios.
- Spicy Maple Bacon Truffles
- Use a spicy maple syrup instead of regular honey for the candied bacon.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the goat cheese mixture for a kick.
- Smoked Paprika Goat Cheese Truffles
- Incorporate 5g of smoked paprika into the goat cheese filling for a smoky flavor.
- Roll the truffles in smoked almonds or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
- Chocolate-Covered Goat Cheese Truffles
- Dip the finished goat cheese truffles in melted dark chocolate instead of rolling them in nuts.
- Drizzle with white chocolate for a decorative touch before serving.
- Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Bites
- Instead of forming truffles, wrap small portions of goat cheese in bacon and bake until crispy.
- Serve with the fig compote on the side for dipping.
- Cranberry-Infused Goat Cheese Truffles
- Mix 50g of dried cranberries into the goat cheese filling for a tart contrast.
- Roll the truffles in crushed pecans or walnuts for added flavor.
- Savory Blue Cheese Truffles
- Substitute goat cheese with blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Pair with a balsamic reduction instead of fig compote for drizzling.
- Pumpkin Spice Goat Cheese Truffles
- Add 50g of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the goat cheese mixture.
- Roll in crushed graham crackers or pecans to enhance the fall flavors.
- Tropical Coconut Goat Cheese Truffles
- Mix shredded coconut into the goat cheese filling and roll the truffles in toasted coconut flakes.
- Pair with a mango chutney instead of fig compote for a tropical twist.
- Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Truffles
- Incorporate roasted garlic into the goat cheese filling for an umami-rich flavor.
- Roll in finely chopped chives or parsley for a fresh finish.