Herbed and Spiced Goat Cheese Balls

1 1/4 pounds soft goat cheese

1 tablespoon finely chopped flat leaf parsley

1 1/2 tablespoons snipped fresh drives

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme

2 tablespoons chopped pecans, toasted

1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form one tablespoon of the goat cheese

into a small ball. Transfer to a baking sheet. Continue with the remaining cheese.

Refrigerate the balls for 10 minutes to set slightly. In 5 separate bowls, place the

parsley, chives, Thyme, pecans and pepper. Roll about six balls in each of the five

coatings and set aside. Pour the olive oil into a serving platter. Sprinkle the oil

with the red pepper flakes. Arrange the goat cheese balls on the platter and

serve with toothpicks on the side. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen