Toasted Almond Covered Goat Cheese Balls

Apparently, I can't keep track of my age and I thought I was one year younger than I really was. I knew the ballpark number but my mother corrected me, even doing the math for me. I was truly flustered. How could that have happened? When did my age become something not worth remembering?

The truth is, I've never been good at remembering those type of things. My hubby teases me every year, asking me "what day were we married on?". I'm not totally certain actually, it's usually a 50/50 chance I get it correct. So, I suppose it is not a 'dementia setting in' issue since I've been doing it for the last decade and a half.

It seems that the last bunch of years have gone by rather quickly but I actually feel a good 5 years younger than I really am. I think that's a good thing. Not that I'm embarrassed about my age or one of those women who lies about it (not purposely at least). But, I hope to never feel my true age, but continue to feel younger than I really am. Like to think it keeps me on my toes.

So, I'm 35. No 36. I think. I feel like I'm 31.

Well, who really gives a damn.

...

I love entertaining but I'm usually not a fussy hostess. I like to take simple foods and then step it up without too much effort. Like transforming an every day mixed greens salad by adding some goat cheese balls first rolled in toasted almonds. People usually ohh and ahh but it truly isn't that much more of an undertaking.

Place slivered almonds onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until browned, at 350F. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Crush them into smaller pieces. Spoon out goat cheese and using your hands, roll into little ball shapes and then coat with the almond mixture.

Want to make it one step easier? Make the goat cheese balls in advance. A day or two before you entertain, prepare all the little almond covered cheese balls, place them into a covered container and pop it into the fridge. When it's time to dress the salad, they are ready to go. Easy entertaining!