Figs Galore

Here are two more use for figs the fist was something I tried, the second is something my dad did.

Stuffed Figs wrapped in Bacon
The amounts really depend on you. These are rich and filling so I would not plan on more that 3 per person.

Figs
Some tart cheese (I used cream cheese because it was on hand, goats cheese, feta of a good soft blue would be great)
Bacon

Wash figs and remove steam. Push a bit of cheese about the size of the fist joint on you little finger (how is THAT for precise!) into the fig. Wrap it in a slice of bacon (depending on the size of the figs you might be able to use half a piece of bacon). Place under broiler for 8-10 minutes or until bacon is done. Let cool a couple of minutes before serving.

Figs and Pepperoni

Again, the amounts vary on how much you want.

Pepperoni
Feta
Sliced Figs
Line the bottom of a cookie sheet with pepperoni, place a slice of fig and top with a small piece of feta. Place under broiler for about 3-5 minutes.
Dad said the sweet of the fig was just enough to offset the spice of the pepperoni. What I wasn’t sure about was how you serve it. I know they just at it as is, which while I am sure yummy, I am not sure if it would work for a party appetizer. I am going to have to do them to see how the pepperoni sets up. Otherwise, I am sure it would be great on a cracker or bread round.

Fig Salad

I don’t know where you are but here it is fresh fig season. The figs that are grown locally, are not super flavorful, which is the reason for “drying” them in the oven to concentrate the flavor. The dressing is the most complicated part of this simple salad. It is really good, and very pretty. If you don’t like goats cheese, use feta.

Dressing
10 figs sliced
½ c. balsamic vinegar
¼ c, oil
2 tbs raisins
1 tsp brown sugar

Heat oven to 250. (note below this is a good time to toast walnuts) Line a baking sheet with sliced figs and cook for 1 hour. You still want them moist, you are just trying to concentrate the flavor. Put into blender of food processor. Add all other ingredients and mix until fairly smooth. This will be a thick dressing.

Salad
Bag of spinach
¼ of onion thinly sliced
¼ c. walnuts
½ c. goat cheese
3 fresh figs

Toast walnuts in oven for about 10 minutes. Set aside. Combine spinach, onion, goat cheese in a bowl. Top with walnuts and garnish with slices of the fresh fig. I would serve into bowls and put a dollop of dressing in the middle of each salad.