For the Black Pepper Cherry Jam

• 1 pound pitted fresh cherries
• 1/ 4 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup sugar

Method

• Step 1

  In a large pot combine cherries and lemon juice. Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes until cherries soften and break down.

• Step 2

  Next add in pepper and sugar. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer, stirring frequently. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t bubble over.

• Step 3

  Simmer on medium-low for 10-15 minutes or until jam thickens.

• Step 4

  Allow jam to cool before transferring to a glass container with a lid. Refrigerate and consume within 1-2 weeks.

For the Vanilla Ginger Apricot Jam

• 1 pound pitted and quartered apricots
• 1/ 4 cup lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons ginger, finely grated
• 1 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise
• 1 1/ 4 cups granulated sugar

Method

• Step 1

  In a large pot combine apricots and lemon juice. Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes until apricots soften and break down. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it.

• Step 2

  Next add in ginger, vanilla bean, and sugar. Bring to a boil stirring frequently. Keep an eye on jam because is will bubble up!

• Step 3

  Cook for about 3-5 minutes until jam thickens.

• Step 4

  Allow jam to cool before transferring to a glass container with a lid. Refrigerate and consume within 1-2 weeks.

For the Fried Goat Cheese Balls

• 1 log (11 ounces) goat cheese
• 1 1/ 2 tablespoons minced sage leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus more for serving
• 1/ 2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for serving
• 2/ 3 cup all purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil
• Honey, for serving

Method

• Step 1

  Place goat cheese in a bowl with minced sage, ½ tsp. sea salt, and 1 tsp. lemon zest. Mix until well combined.

• Step 2

  Roll goat cheese mixture into 1 to 1 ½ inch balls.

• Step 3

  Place flour, egg, and panko into three separate bowls.

• Step 4

  Dip each goat cheese ball into the flour, followed by the egg mixture, and finally generously coat in breadcrumbs.

• Step 5

  Place goat cheese balls on a plate or tray and freeze at least 20-30 minutes before frying.

• Step 6

  Line a plate with paper towels. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a deep heavy bottomed pot. Test the heat of the oil by frying one goat cheese ball—if it melts or disintegrates the oil is not hot enough.

• Step 7

  Fry goat cheese balls in batches until golden and hot inside. Turn them frequently when frying, allowing about 3-5 minutes of cook time.

• Step 8

  Place onto prepared plate to drain excess oil.

• Step 9

  Serve immediately with honey, more lemon zest, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

To Assemble

• Assorted crackers
• Fresh fruit
• Assorted nuts
• Cheeses, of choice
• Charcuterie, of choice
• Olives