Nearly twenty years ago, when my husband and I were still dating, our favorite romantic evenings always included one constant: cheese. Not metaphorical cheesiness — actual cheese. We’d take a drive to Wegman’s, pick up a fresh baguette from the bakery, and wander to the cheese counter to choose tangy goat cheese, creamy brie, and some adventurous, unfamiliar variety to sample. A quick stop at the produce section for greens and the olive bar for salty bites rounded out our haul. Back at home we’d open a bottle of wine, tear off wedges of baguette, pile on cheese and olives, and stare into each other’s eyes while blissfully ignoring our cheesy breath. Romance, clearly, has no sense of smell.
Our evenings were often accompanied by decidedly unsophisticated entertainment — classics like UHF or Cabin Boy — and we wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.
Fast forward nearly two decades and our little family has grown to include several boys. Those quiet, cheese-filled evenings now happen amid a swarm of hungry teenagers. Place a baguette on the table and it disappears in seconds; press play on a favorite film and multiple voices recite the lines along with the actors. Still, we manage to squeeze in the same rituals: salads, olives, lots of cheese, and the occasional stolen glance across a room full of mouths mid-chew. We still kiss despite the breath.
One of our favorite, fuss-free riffs on that old ritual is this simple assembly: thin crispbreads, tangy goat cheese, ripe blackberries, and a light drizzle of mild honey. The contrast of creamy goat cheese, juicy blackberry, and floral honey on an airy crisp is unexpectedly perfect.
To serve, arrange a small board with a wedge or log of goat cheese, a bowl of fresh blackberries, a stack of thin crisps or crackers, and a jar of honey with a dipper or spoon. Include a spreading knife for the cheese. Guests can build their own bites: spread a generous layer of goat cheese on a crisp, top with a blackberry, and finish with a light drizzle of clover or orange blossom honey. The result is bright, slightly tangy, and naturally elegant without any fuss.
This platter works beautifully as a cheese course at the end of a meal, but it’s equally suitable as an appetizer, a holiday buffet item, or a small, romantic shared plate paired with a dry white wine. For the full nostalgic experience, put on something delightfully silly in the background — we still recommend Weird Al.
Crisps with Goat Cheese, Blackberries and Honey {Fast Appetizer}
Rebecca Lindamood
Ingredients
- 1 package thin crispbreads or other thin crackers
- Goat cheese
- fresh blackberries
- mild honey Clover or Orange Blossom works well!
Instructions
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Arrange the crisps on a plate or board around a bowl of blackberries. Place the goat cheese and a jar of honey with a dipper or spoon nearby. Include a small spreading knife for the cheese.
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To assemble, spread a generous amount of goat cheese on a crisp, top with a blackberry, and finish with a light drizzle of honey. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Calculate nutrition using the exact ingredients you use if needed.
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For these appetizers I use thin 34 Degrees-style crispbread. They’re light and sturdy enough to hold a generous smear of goat cheese without overpowering the flavors. Keep a box on hand so you can assemble this easy, impressive platter whenever guests arrive.