Goat Cheese with Bell Pepper Dressing

Recipe from Bon Appetit Magazine, March 1996. This appetizer has wonderful flavor and great presentation. Everyone raves about this appetizer.

4 tablespoons olive oil , divided
1/4 cup diced orange bell pepper
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup diced yellow bell pepper
4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Coarse salt to taste
8 ounces chilled goat cheese (such as Montrachet), cut into 8 slices
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts*
Baguette bread slices, toasted

* To toast pine nuts, preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the nuts in a shallow pan and roast, stirring often for 2 minutes. Do not overcook, for pine nuts burn easily.

In a large frying pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add diced bell peppers and sauté 5 minutes or until tender; reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic, rosemary, coriander, fennel, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Simmer mixture 5 minutes, to blend flavors. Remove from heat. Season to taste with coarse salt. Let cool to room temperature.

Arrange goat cheese on platter; spoon prepared dressing over the top of them. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Sprinkle with pine nuts and serve with baguette slices.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.