This past weekend my sister’s fiance decided to throw her a surprise birthday party. She was clueless! My mom and I were trying to think of ways to keep her out of her house all day. Thank goodness we’re both engaged, we went and looked at a possible location for her wedding, had some lunch found shoes to go with my dress…it was a long day. By the end she was definitely complaining that she needed to get home before she had to go out.
When we pulled up to her place she started asking who was at her house. I practically shoved her out of the car saying how badly I needed to pee. I was afraid she would see everyone inside and ruin the surprise!! Plus I worked my butt off the night before (including my mom) to get food ready for the party.
We made hummus, sliced up some cucumber rounds, made hoisin chicken cups, hoisin scallion rolls w/ flank steak, roasted and marinated peppers for crostinis…these beauties were my favorite, thinly sliced zucchini smeared with herbed goat cheese then rolled with roasted peppers and chives. So.good. And they’re pretty! Especially for a party, save this recipe, people will love it!
Luckily all turned out well, my sister was super surprised. 
The party was a blast and everyone enjoyed the food and had a great time. Matt (her fiance) deserves a little round of applause, she loved it!
Zucchini Rolled w/ Herbed Goat Cheese & Roasted Peppers
adapted from Fine Cooking Magazine
Ingredients
4 medium-large zucchini
1 bunch chives
4 ounces creamy goat cheese
4 ounces creamy roasted red pepper goat cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
kosher salt
1 jar roasted red peppers, sliced into 1/4″ pieces
Preparation
Using a mandoline slice the zucchini lengthwise, about 1/8″ thick. (I did this, was too wide so I went with smaller slices.) Place the slices on paper towels and sprinkle both sides with salt to remove excess water, let stand for about 15 minutes. Pat dry before using.
Slice the chives starting from the top about 2 inches long, then repeat one more time, slicing to get 2 inch pieces. Reserve these for rolling. Thinly slice the remaining chives and use for the goat cheese mixture.
In a bowl mix together both goat cheeses, the thyme, one tablespoon of the thinly sliced chives, and cayenne. Season well with salt.
Take a slice of zucchini (patted dry) and spread a thin layer of the goat cheese mixture on one side. At one end of the zucchini lay out about 4 chive slices and two slices of roasted red pepper. Roll the zucchini, from the end with the chives & peppers, then stand with chive and peppers sticking out of the top. Repeat with remaining zucchini slices.
Refrigerate until ready to serve!
Wow Lacy! Love how you presented these! They would be perfect to serve the crowds.
Lacy these look just fantastic. Beautiful presentation. I have never seen roasted red pepper goat cheese, that sounds wonderful too.
Very professional looking! Love the presentation!
What a great presentation!! These look fabulous!! I could eat tons of them!
These are stunning – I love the flavours and presentation
When I get married to my prince on a white horse since I can still dream of that, I’m sure these would be most welcome
Have fun celebrating the double engagement – it is so fairytale like
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Just beautiful, Lacy!!! Perfect party food…and what a fun surprise for your sister
I’ve decided I want to get married again and you need to make these for me. I’ll pay you well.
This is such a great appetizer, nice alternative to the deep fried ones out there. Also, the presentation is stunning. These look like they should be at a high end restaurant.
I am sure all your efforts were appreciated by your sis and it was great that she was truly surprised! Happy birthday to your sister and enjoy the weekend Lacy!
These look delicious! I have had it with eggplant, but after seeing these zucchini is next on my list! The housin chicken chicken cups also sound wonderful
Glad your sister was surprised, sounds like a great day!
I adore herbed goat cheese and these look super light and tasty. Great party food. Two sisters both engaged, huh? Wow, it’s wedding central in your family!