Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any bad ones.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop.
Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until thickened.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry mixture cool for a few minutes.
On a serving platter, spread the creamy goat cheese.
Drizzle the cranberry sauce generously over the goat cheese.
Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, before serving.
