Roasted Cherry, Thyme and Goats Cheese Bruschetta

, from Issue #45. August, 2015
Photography by Aaron McLean.
Roasted Cherry, Thyme and Goats Cheese Bruschetta

Serve this as a cheese course or pass them around for a casual antipasti with drinks.

Serves: 6–8

INGREDIENTS

36 large cherries, halved and pitted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon caster sugar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses or balsamic glaze

To serve
sourdough bread
olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled
200 grams soft goat’s cheese or feta cheese
fresh thyme leaves
1 lemon

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200˚C.

Put the cherries in a baking dish and combine with the olive oil, sugar and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 5 minutes then drizzle over the pomegranate molasses and stir together. Roast for another 2-3 minutes until bubbling. Set aside to cool.

To assemble: Lightly brush both sides of the bread with olive oil and grill until golden and toasted. Rub one side with the cut clove of garlic.

Spread the toasts with goat’s cheese then spoon on the cherries. Scatter with a few thyme leaves and grate over some lemon zest.