Grape Leaves Stuffed with Goat Cheese

An interesting nibble to accompany drinks. Tender grape leaves enclose a tangy cheese filling.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 12 pieces

Ingredients

• 1 (7 ounce) package  mild  goat cheese (or 5 oz goat cheese plus 2 oz softened cream cheese)
• 1  tablespoon  minced chives
• 1  tablespoon  beaten egg
•  fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 12  large grape leaves
•  olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Cream together cheese, chives, egg and pepper to taste.
3. Wash grape leaves and pat dry.
4. Remove stems.
5. Working with one leaf at a time, place 1 rounded T of the cheese mixture at stem end of each leaf.
6. Roll up tightly, tucking ends in to form a cigar shape.
7. Place rolls, open end down, on a greased baking sheet.
8. Brush generously with olive oil.
9. Bake for 10 minutes.
10. Serve hot or tepid.