Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves (20g) garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp (3g) kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp (1g) cracked black pepper
  • ¼ tsp (1g) red pepper flakes
  • 8 oz (225g) goat cheese, log form
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) honey
  • 2 tbsp (8g) fresh basil, torn
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute—until the garlic becomes fragrant and pale gold, but not brown.
  2. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to allow the skins to blister. Stir occasionally for another 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes 'burst' and release their juices, forming a thick, chunky sauce.
  3. Create a small space in the center of the skillet or nestle the goat cheese rounds directly atop the tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is softened and beginning to slump, but not completely liquefied.
  4. Drizzle the honey or balsamic glaze over the cheese. Remove from heat immediately. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and garnish with torn basil leaves.