I saw a version of pinwheels recently in the Washington Post that reminded me of my SIL’s treats and I decided to make my own version, borrowing a bit from each. I used goat cheese in one and cream cheese in another; both were hits. If your goat cheese is firm or dry, you might want to blend in a little milk or warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to spread.
Fresh herbs are a must—use a combo of whatever you have. We used parsley, basil, and oregano.
We used tomato and basil wraps, but spinach wraps would be lovely, too. For a more stuffed version, chop sturdy greens like spinach, baby chard, or arugula and add on top of the herbs.
Two wraps served three of us nicely for appetizers.
Pepper and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) goat cheese or cream cheese, or 2 ounces of eachtwo (10-inch) tomato or spinach tortillas
6 tablespoons (about 4 ounces) jarred roasted red pepper, diced
1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped
a handful of greens, chopped (optional)
fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Spread the cheese over the tortillas, leaving about 1/4-inch space around the edges. Add the diced red pepper and spread evenly. Sprinkle with chopped herbs and any greens you’d like to use. Roll tortilla, being careful to roll tightly as you start. Press edge into the roll to seal as best you can and rest seam-side down while you make the other roll.
Slice rolls into 3/4-inch pinwheels, starting from the middle of the roll. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs.
Each wrap makes 6-8 pieces.
Best served shortly after making, but the rolls can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Enjoy!
Leslie Budewitz is the author of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries and the Spice Shop Mysteries, and the winner of Agatha Awards in three categories. Death al Dente, the first Food Lovers' Village Mystery, won Best First Novel in 2013, following her 2011 win in Best Nonfiction. Her first historical short story, "All God's Sparrows," won the 2018 Agatha Award for Best Short Story. Watch for her first standalone suspense novel, Bitterroot Lake (written as Alicia Beckman) in April 2021 from Crooked Lane Books.
A past president of Sisters in Crime and a current board member of Mystery Writers of America, she lives in northwest Montana with her husband, a musician and doctor of natural medicine, and their cat, an avid bird-watcher.
Swing by her website and subscribe to her seasonal newsletter, for a chat about the writing life, what she's working on, and what she's reading -- and a free short story. And join her on Facebook where she shares book news and giveaways from her writer friends, and talks about food, mysteries, and the things that inspire her.
The pinwheels are going to be fun to make! They lend themselves to all kinds of variations. A favorite here in our get-togethers is a combination of deviled ham, mustard & finely chopped scallions. I like the idea of using tortillas made from vegetables so there's a variety of colors. Looking forward to trying the recipe posted. Thanks! My husband's fantasy is to live somewhere in Montana. His "theme" song is Merle Haggard's "Big City." I always share your "this is why we live here" comments with him.
ReplyDeleteLinda, you're right -- a highly flexible recipe! And what a hoot about your husband. Glad you two enjoy the photos!
DeleteThese look wonderful! Thank you for sharing. :-)
ReplyDeleteDenise
My pleasure!
DeleteDo you know which herbs were used in the recipe?
ReplyDeleteI used basil, parsley and oregano because that's what was fresh in my garden. (The original called for dried and I nixed that!) Use whatever you have and like.
DeleteI'm taking this opportunity to plea for help. My Bookmark Swag Bag is empty for the first time ever. If you have any new or old bookmarks that would like loving readers to take them home please send them to me. I deliver to four library branches in two counties (that's all I have time for). Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNora-A
Nora-A, I'll pass that along to the other MLK bloggers, with your mailing address.
DeleteThe picture of the wrap spread out with the goodies on it is so pretty. Good Italian colors.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And if you used a red or green tortilla, they'd fit right in at a Christmas party. (Though my dear SIL would faint!)
DeleteMy mouth is watering! I'll be making these. Hugs. MJ
ReplyDelete