Holiday Party Platter: Golden Raisin Sauce with Goat Cheese

Disclosure: By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the California Raisin Marketing Board and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

One of my favorite things of all time is a good cheese platter. I have this realization every time I am near, see or eat a cheese platter of any sort. Not only is such an assortment of bites perfect for a party, but it's really a fun way to do dinner with a salad. It's the confetti for the salad, just arranged differently. For the perfect build-your-own appetizer cheese platter you need:

• something tart (grapefruit)
• something sweet (persimmon, golden raisin sauce, pomegranate)
• something salty (olives, cheeses)
• something umami (pepper crusted salami)
• something crunchy (crackers, nuts)
• something creamy (cheeses)
• herbs

There are a million ways to build the platter, you just need to pick something from each flavor and texture category! 

The husband and I really just love this for a fun dinner, especially if there's a football game on. Real classy game day food ya'll. 

So let's talk about what you probably didn't look twice at on the platter: the golden raisin sauce. See it? On the goat cheese? It is mind blowing. It elevates every bite and it's super easy to make! Raisins are a good source of fiber (fullness) and iron. And raisins are literally just dried grapes, packed with natural sweetness. JUST GRAPES. You can't do better than that for an ingredients list. 

Golden Raisin Sauce

Makes about 1.5 cups, serves 12

/// Ingredients ///

• 1 c California golden raisins
• 2 T fresh orange juice
• 1 t orange zest
• 1.5 t cornstarch
• 1/4 packed brown sugar
• 3/4 C water
• 1 T cider vinegar 

Add everything to a sauce pan. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Reduce to a simmer for another 5 minutes. Allow to cool. Spoon over goat cheese and other cheese plate goodies. 

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