Now I know what you must be thinking: I’ve had goat cheese before and it just tasted too “goaty”. Yes, there will be certain kinds that taste stronger, but most commercially produced cheese today comes from female goats that are kept separate from the males. It’s the hormones that the females produce when they’re living around males that make the cheese taste, well… funky.

Making cheese from goat milk goes back thousands of years since goats were some of the first domesticated animals. They can survive in hot, rocky areas with low vegetation – places that are very inhospitable for cows. This is why we see a lot of Mediterranean recipes featuring goat cheese as an ingredient.

With its full, rich and creamy flavor, you’d expect goat cheese to be high in calories – but it’s not. Serving per serving, goat cheese is lower in fat, calories, and cholesterol than cow’s milk products cream like cheese and brie. One ounce of goat cheese has 75 calories compared to 96 in cream cheese and 94 in Brie. In terms of fat, goat cheese has 6 grams versus 10 in cream cheese and 8 in Brie. For those watching their cholesterol, goat cheese contains 13 mg compared to 31 in cream cheese and 28 in Brie. It’s also a good source of protein and copper.

When you’re walking through the cheese aisle at the grocery store on your next visit, pick up some goat cheese. Here are a few ideas to brighten up your meals:

• Slice it and put it on baguette slices. Broil for a minute until the cheese turns soft and serve it with mixed greens – a classic French dish called Chevre Chaud.
• Mix it with fresh herbs, chopped garlic and a little lemon zest. It makes a great dip/spread for vegetables.
• Crumble it into cooked rice or couscous along with chopped tomatoes, mint and black olives.
• Roll goat cheese into little balls and coat with dried herbs, chopped nuts or spices. Serve as a quick hors d’oeuvre.
• Add it to fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. It makes a light and refreshing dessert.

If the ideas above don't inspire you to give goat a try, check out our recipe for Baked Goat Cheese in Phyllo Cups. They make great hors d'oeuvres or combined with a salad, a great brunch dish.

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