Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 6 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and pour the almonds into a small bowl. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Add the cranberries and thyme to the bowl and stir until they are covered by the liquid. Set aside for 5 minutes.

On a cutting board, chop up the almonds. Set aside ½ tablespoon chopped almonds and roll the goat cheese in the remaining almonds. Use your hands to mix the almonds into the goat cheese and form the goat cheese into a disc.

Place the goat cheese in the center of a pie plate.

Pour the cranberry mixture around the cheese. Sprinkle the set-aside almonds on top of the goat cheese.

Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve hot with crackers or bread.