Figs and Cheese
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
12 servings
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Calories
152 kcal
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Course
Appetizer
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Figs and Cheese
Description
Figs and Cheese starts by simmering sliced fresh figs in a mixture of brown sugar and water until a thick syrup forms. This sweet base is enhanced with toasted walnuts for texture and optional additions of amaretto and vanilla to deepen the flavors. The syrupy fig and nut mixture is then spooned over a round of Brie or similar soft cheese placed on parchment.
The cheese with topping is warmed in a 325°F oven until softened but not melted, preserving its shape while creating a creamy, spreadable texture. Combining the sweet, sticky fruit and nuts with the mild creaminess of the cheese provides a pleasing contrast in flavor and mouthfeel.
Serve this dish warm alongside water crackers or slices of baguette to offer a refined appetizer that balances sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess ideal for entertaining or casual snacking.
Ingredients
- 10 fig fresh ripe
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped or almonds
- 1 tablespoons amaretto (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 round Brie cheese 4-5 inches; or soft-ripened cheese, like Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam
- water crackers for serving
- baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Stem the figs and cut them into eighths, making long, slender slices.
- Combine the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat till sugar is dissolved and the mixture bubbles around the edges.
- Stir in the fig slices, making sure they're evenly coated with sugar water. Let the mixture simmer between medium/medium low for 10 minutes till a thick, rich syrup forms.
- Meanwhile, spread the chopped nuts out into a small skillet. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, till the nuts are toasted. Remove from heat and reserve.
- When over half of the liquid has reduced and the fig syrup is thick, remove from heat.
- Stir in the amaretto, vanilla, and toasted walnuts.
- Place the cheese on a small parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Scoop the fig and nut mixture over the top of the cheese, letting it fall around the edges.
- Place the cheese into the oven and let it warm up for about 10 minutes, till softened and warm but not melted. Keep a close eye-- it can go from warm to melted in a few seconds. I left mine a little too long, and the cheese melted and gooped out a bit... no big deal, though, it was still amazingly tasty.
- Serve the warm cheese and fig spread on water crackers or small baguette slices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 152 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 152kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 121mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 154mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 170IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.8mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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