Goat Cheese Olive Balls

It's not as if I need an excuse to spend time in the kitchen, but a little inspiration from others is always welcome. Mansi is hosting the next Monthly Mingle, an event started by Meeta of What's For Lunch Honey. Mansi is inviting readers to submit bite sized Appetizers & Hors'Doeuvres. I immediately thought of goat cheese.

Goat Cheese Olive Balls

250 grams of soft goat cheese
1/4 cup of finely chopped kalamata olives
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
1 teaspooon of very finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper

2 teaspoons of freshly cracked mixed peppercorns for coating

In a small bowl, mash together the goat cheese, olives, red pepper flakes, rosemary, salt and black pepper. Roll into 1 inch balls. Sprinkle with a bit of the mixed peppercorns, rolling the ball around on the palm of your hand to coat. Chill for 30 minutes. Serve with thin crackers or simply consume as is.

Makes 16 - 20 spicy balls.