Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Figs for Starters

Delicious, sweet fig fruit is one of the prime fruits enjoyed since antiquity in the human history. Fig is naturally rich in much health benefiting phyto-nutrients, anti-oxidants and vitamins. Dried figs, in fact, are concentrated source of minerals and vitamins. 


Simple
Figs and sharp cheese are a perfect combination.


Who said you can't play with your food?
Shape figs into a heart shape and serve with shards of Parmigiano Reggiano

Sweet
Gorgonzola, Fig and Walnut Tartlets

1 refrigerated pie crust, softened as directed
6 dried figs, coarsely chopped (1/3 cup)
1 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1 Tbsp. honey

Heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Unroll pie crust on flat surface.
Using a 2-inch cookie cutter, cut 24 rounds from pie crust.  Gently press 1 round in bottom and up sides of each of 24 ungreased mini muffin cups.

In a small bowl, mix figs, brown sugar, cinnamon, walnuts and figs.  Spoon 1 Tbsp. into each cup.
Bake 7 to 11 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.  Remove tarlets to serving plate.

Drizzle tartlets with honey and serve warm.

Savory
Bacon Wrapped Figs with Gorgonzola Cheese

24 dried figs
8 oz. Gorgonzola Cheese
8-10 thin smoked bacon strips

Preheat oven to 3575 degrees F.  In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a simmer.  Add dried figs and remove from heat. Allow figs to plump (about 5 minutes).  Remove from pan and place on paper towel to dry.  Soak toothpicks in water for 5 minutes.  Snip stems from figs, then cut an "X" into the top of the fig and open gently.  Place a small cube of cheese into the fig and close.  Gently stretch the bacon and cut strip into 3 pieces.  Lay bacon slice around the fig and secure with toothpicks.  Place figs on parchment lined cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with brown sugar and freshly ground black pepper.


Bake approx 15-20 minutes or until bacon is done.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

~Tartlet Recipe - Pillsbury

5 comments:

  1. I remember the first time I had bacon wrapped figs...so delicious! Never with gorgonzola cheese (or any cheese for that matter). These must be so tasty!

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  2. Wow, everything looks really good! I can only imagine Thanksgiving at your house Patti! Happy Turkey Day and enjoy:@)

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  3. Oh my gosh, Patti, these figs have taste so amazing! Seriously, I can see it even through my computer screen. I love figs, I love gorgonzola, and everything else that you have combined in these tartlets!

    I hope that you have the most wonderful Thanksgiving and I am truly grateful for your friendship!

    Big hugs,
    Roz

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  4. Love figs and love every bite of these. No one is going to be this lucky at my house.

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  5. I made the bacon wrapped figs for a family dinner party tonight and they were a huge success. Everyone loved them :)

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