PECAN-CRUSTED GOAT CHEESE SQUARES

These may look like dessert squares, but they are actually tangy, only slightly sweet hors d’oeuvres. The toasted pecan crust and tart goat cheese filling make for an irresistible bite-size snack.

Cooking spray

2 cups pecans

¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

4 ounces goat cheese

1 tablespoon honey

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Place the pecans in the bowl of a food processor, and pulse until they are finely crushed. Add the butter, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, and continue pulsing until all of the ingredients come together. Press the pecan mixture into the dish firmly, using the bottom of a glass if needed. Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes, and then let it cool completely.

In a small bowl combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until smooth. Scrape the cream cheese mixture into the crust, and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the filling is set. Place on a wire rack, and let cool completely before cutting into 25 small squares. Refrigerate the squares until you are ready to serve them.

MAKES 12 TO 14 SERVINGS.