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Spicy Goat Cheese, Pecan and Paprika Shortbreads

May 24, 2013 by Nancy Lopez-McHugh 50 Comments

Spicy Goat Cheese, Pecan and Paprika Shortbreads by Spicie Foodie | #spicy #goatcheese #pecans #paprika #shortbreads

I have a weakness for French cheeses. This wasn’t always the case, in fact I used not like cheese very much. Being Mexican cheese is not something we eat often or much of. Contrary to the inaccurate impression many have about Mexican cuisine, you’ll find that in our authentic cookery cheese is using sparingly. Growing up my parent’s only bought a couple Mexican cheeses that we occasionally used for quesadillas or to top chilaquiles. So needless to say, when it came to cheese my experience was very limited.

Spicy Goat Cheese, Pecan and Paprika Shortbreads by Spicie Foodie | #spicy #goatcheese #pecans #paprika #shortbreads

My husband grew up loving cheese, and his favorite one is blue cheese. You can image the reaction someone, like me, with very limited experience has the first time smelling and seeing blue cheese. But being the brave and curious eater I am, I had to give it a taste. Much to his and my surprise I too fell in love with blue cheese. Fast forward all these years later and I now love eating many cheeses my husband isn’t too fond of.

Spicy Goat Cheese, Pecan and Paprika Shortbreads by Spicie Foodie | #spicy #goatcheese #pecans #paprika #shortbreads

Living in Paris only helped solidify my and his love of cheese. France, the land of 400 distinct cheese types, is a dream come true. There instead of a sweet or heavy cake for dessert you can enjoy a plateau de fromage or a plate of cheese. If you happen to be eating at a nice establishment the waiter will come by with a cart full of all sorts of cheeses to choose from for your plateau. If you love cheese it is a fun and delicious experience. My love of French cheeses became so grand that instead of holding my breath when passing our fromagerie I inhaled deeply to take in the ripe cheese smell.

Spicy Goat Cheese, Pecan and Paprika Shortbreads by Spicie Foodie | #spicy #goatcheese #pecans #paprika #shortbreads

In a house with two cheese lovers, cheese is always in our refrigerator. The options here aren’t as large as in France but there are still plenty to choose from, like this creamy goat cheese I used for these shortbreads. The other day I was craving not only cheese but also shortbreads, another one of my weaknesses. I thought why not combine the two and make goat cheese shortbreads. Since I was using goat cheese and therefore making savory shortbreads, I wanted to add a little more depth of flavour by using spicy pecans. Before I tell you how scrumptious they tasted, I’ll give you the recipe.

Spicy Goat Cheese, Pecan and Paprika Shortbreads by Spicie Foodie | #spicy #goatcheese #pecans #paprika #shortbreads

5.0 from 6 reviews
Spicy Goat Cheese, Pecan and Paprika Shortbreads
 
Print
Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
10 mins
Total time
20 mins
 
Author: SpicieFoodie.com &Nancy Lopez-McHugh
Recipe type: snack,
Cuisine: Fusion, Snack, Vegetarian
Ingredients
  • 3 tbs Amelia's Hot & Spicy Pecans
  • ½ cup or 100 gm all purpose white flour
  • large pinch of sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 40 gm or 1.4 oz goat cheese
  • spicy paprika
  • 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter (if using salted butter omit salt above)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 180 c or 356f and line a cookie sheet with baking paper, set aside. Place pecans in a blender and pulse for a couple of seconds until they break up. Don't overdo it, we don't want them to be pulverized.
  2. Roll the goat cheese in some spicy paprika and set aside. In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and ground pecans until well combined. Next crumble the goat cheese into the flour mixture and stir to combine. Pour the melted butter into the bowl while stirring, until a crumbly mix is achieved. Gather the crumbly dough and place on floured surface. Flatten out to an even level and slice into even sized squares or use a cookie cutter to cutout desired shapes.
  3. Place on baking sheet bake in center of oven for 8-10 minutes. Check after 8 minutes and do not allow shortbreads to brown. Allow to cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
This recipe makes 10-12 shortbreads, feel free to double is desired.
Wordpress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe
3.2.1230

 

Spicy Goat Cheese, Pecan and Paprika Shortbreads by Spicie Foodie | #spicy #goatcheese #pecans #paprika #shortbreads

The shortbreads are crumbly, buttery, savory, spicy, a tad sweet, and have a slight tart flavour given by the goat cheese. To say they taste good is an understatement — they taste awesome! The only bad part is that the batch was small, we ate them in a couple of days. But these will definitely be something I make over and over again.

Spicy Goat Cheese, Pecan and Paprika Shortbreads by Spicie Foodie | #spicy #goatcheese #pecans #paprika #shortbreads

I hope you give them a try and love them as much as we did. If you’re not craving a cheesy spicy treat but rather a sweet one, try these Black Sesame Polvorones or Matcha Merunky Polvorones. (Polvoron is the Spanish word for shortbread.)

 

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Filed Under: Baked, Cheese, Fusion, Snacks

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Comments

  1. Rosa says

    May 24, 2013 at 20:02

    A wonderful recipe! Those shortbreads looks marvelous. Perfect with a slice of good cheese!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:03

      Thank you Rosa!

      Reply
  2. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    May 24, 2013 at 21:33

    These would make such a delicious appetizer, I love the flavors! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:04

      They are a great appetizer or snack. Thanks Laura!

      Reply
  3. Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today says

    May 24, 2013 at 22:15

    I like blue cheese as well :) I like any cheese to be frank. Spicy cheese is always worth trying.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:04

      Yay, for blue cheese!:) Thanks Marta.

      Reply
  4. Monique says

    May 24, 2013 at 23:09

    I will have to make my own spicy pecans..But I will make these:)

    2 Frenchies here..from QC not France ..but cheese lovers nevertheless..And always des bons fromages in the fridge..~
    These look wonderful Nancy..
    Bon weekend savoureux to you~
    Your photos always make me think..will I ever take photos like this?
    Not to be great or anything..just for me:)
    PS I always forget to say I am not a spammer:)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:06

      Mai oui, it’s impossible to live without cheese. Merci Monique, J’e espere que vous avez passe un bon week-end.:)

      Reply
  5. easyfoodsmith says

    May 25, 2013 at 11:12

    My taste is limited to a few variety of cheeses. Reading your post I felt, I too have hope ;-)
    Loved the way you paired all these ingredients to turn out such scrumptious looking shortbreads.
    Btw, I also love the colour of the board on which you clicked them :-)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:08

      Of course, all you have to do is start trying new cheeses. Thank you Taruna:)

      Reply
  6. madscar says

    May 25, 2013 at 11:15

    Love it! Thanks for recipe :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:08

      Thanks!

      Reply
  7. Angie@Angie's Recipes says

    May 25, 2013 at 11:36

    Gorgeous photos, Nancy. The shortbread look ever so tempting with the flavour combo.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:08

      Thank you Angie!:)

      Reply
  8. Victoria of Flavors of the Sun says

    May 25, 2013 at 15:12

    I’ve made many kinds of shortbread cookies in my day; (they are my son’s favorite cookie in any guise), but never with goat cheese. What an inspired combination–I can almost taste them! Thanks again for another recipe for my “to make” list, Nancy.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:09

      Your son has knows what he’s talking about, hehe:) Thank you Victoria and do let me know if you give these a try.

      Reply
  9. Ramona says

    May 25, 2013 at 15:23

    Beautiful shortbread. I bet the goat cheese a nice flavor to it. :) Have a fabulous weekend my friend.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:11

      I have to say that it really was Ramona, thanks and have a great week!

      Reply
  10. Patty says

    May 25, 2013 at 16:26

    Hi Nancy! I like the spiced pecans and goat cheese combination in your savory shortbreads-must have been delicious ;-)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:11

      Thank you so much Patty!

      Reply
  11. Sandra says

    May 25, 2013 at 18:26

    For sure this recipe would have to be doubled. Savory shortbreads are a great alternative.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:11

      Yes, certainly. Thanks Sandra:)

      Reply
  12. mjskit says

    May 25, 2013 at 19:01

    Smoked paprika and goat cheese! That combination would make anything irresistible! And then you had to go add pecans. There is no way I could say no to these. Definitely pinning these!
    I know what you mean about growing up with limited cheese option. Having been raised in the southern U.S. about the only cheese we had in our house was cheddar. Now I keep a crisper full of different cheese so that we have what we want when a mood strikes. :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:13

      That’s great MJ, I’m glad you can now enjoy a great variety of cheeses. Thanks and I hope you give them a try.:)

      Reply
  13. Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen says

    May 25, 2013 at 19:41

    I love the idea of goat cheese shortbreads, these sound so delicious! Your photos are so gorgeous too!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:13

      Thank you Rosie!:)

      Reply
  14. Daniela says

    May 25, 2013 at 21:11

    I’m a cheese lover too and this recipe looks sensational Nancy!
    Crispy and delicate ,mmh.
    The pictures are lovely :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:14

      Thank you so much Daniela!:)

      Reply
  15. yummychunklet says

    May 26, 2013 at 02:03

    Lovely looking shortbreads, and I love the purple background!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:14

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  16. Joanne T Ferguson says

    May 26, 2013 at 03:00

    What a great flavor combination, TRUE!
    Love the staging of your photos too!
    Cheers! Joanne

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:14

      Thank you so much Joanne!

      Reply
  17. john@kitchenriffs says

    May 26, 2013 at 18:44

    Most people in the US are probably more familiar with Tex-Mex rather than actual Mexican food — and Tex-Mex smothers an awful lot of stuff in cheese. Anyway, I really like goat cheese, so you know these shortbreads have my name on them. Great recipe! Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:18

      I think that’s the case John, but also many don’t realize the difference and so refer to it as Mexican. Thank you!

      Reply
  18. Suzanne Perazzini says

    May 27, 2013 at 08:36

    I love most cheeses too but I can’t get my mind or taste buds around blue cheese. Those shortbreads sound very interesting with the addition of goat cheese. I should try a gluten-free version.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:18

      Hehe, it’s definitely an acquired taste Suzanne. Thank you, and yes I’d love to see a gluten-free version.

      Reply
  19. Gourmet Getaways says

    May 27, 2013 at 12:43

    I love cheese!! All types and the smellier the better. I really love your images, the spicy cheese crackers look amazing : )
    Delicious :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 27, 2013 at 23:19

      Hehe, I’m the same way Julie!:) Thank you so much. xx

      Reply
  20. anna says

    May 28, 2013 at 05:55

    oo, a savory shortbread! what a fantastic idea! and i am always looking for new ways to eat goat cheese, although mostly i just go with ‘straight from the package’. i think i could make it last long enough to make this, though :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 28, 2013 at 15:06

      I hope you do give the shortbreads a try Anna.

      Reply
  21. Holly says

    May 28, 2013 at 08:17

    Love the idea of this, I don’t think I’ve ever made a savory shortbread. Unfortunately cheese never lasts long enough in our house to cook with, despite the fact that we usually have at least 4 different kinds at any moment. I love a good blue cheese but Epoisses and Maroilles are by far my favorites. The smellier, the better! And I agree, there is nothing more spectacular than the smell of a fromagerie!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 28, 2013 at 15:08

      There are so many great ones to choose from, I don’t always remember the names. Give the shortbreads a try with some of your favorite cheeses Holly:)

      Reply
  22. Shema George says

    May 28, 2013 at 14:45

    Love the shortbread… nice recipe and love the purple :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 28, 2013 at 15:10

      Thank you Shema!:)

      Reply
  23. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    May 30, 2013 at 10:15

    You know you’re a cheese lover when you can smell the telltale odor wafting out each time you open the fridge, but it’s a small price to pay!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 30, 2013 at 22:20

      Oh yes, love that smell!

      Reply
  24. Irina @ wandercrush says

    May 31, 2013 at 17:25

    Oh man, I love a savoury shortbread! Thinking of all the quality cheeses readily available in Paris makes my head spin. I would have OD-ed on lactose!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 31, 2013 at 19:35

      It’s pretty difficult to resist all the cheese. Thanks Irina!:)

      Reply
  25. Juudy Scrimger says

    January 15, 2015 at 13:03

    I so love your website! Found you on Pinterest first… But – a question, please: I am not a baker and I’ve begun a ketogenic diet and am wondering if almond flour would work in these biscuits – then I could sneak one or two! Hope to see a reply…

    Cheers,
    Juudy

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      January 15, 2015 at 22:30

      Hi Juudy! I have never attempted baking these with almond flour, so I can’t give you a good answer. Almond flour doesn’t have gluten, which is part of what helps bind/hold these shortbreads together. I don’t know anything about ketogenic diets, but is wheat just not allowed? If it is perhaps you could sub half of the wheat flour with the almond meal? Really my best recommendation would be to experiment a little.

      If I make these with almond flour I’ll be sure to let you know the results. Thank you and good luck! :)

      Reply

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