Crunchy Manchego Fig Straws Recipes

MANCHEGO QUINCE SKEWERS

Steps:

• Cut the quince paste into 1-inch cubes and roll them in the crushed almonds. Cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes.
• Put a quince cube onto a toothpick, then a watercress leaf followed by a cube of cheese. Place on a platter and serve.
• Note: Parmigiano-Reggiano can be substituted for the Manchego. Quince paste can be found in cheese shops or Latin markets.

CRUNCHY MANCHEGO FIG STRAWS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line two 18-by-13-inch sheet pans with parchment paper.
• Dust a work surface lightly with flour. Roll out the puff pastry into a 14-by-12-inch rectangle. With the short side facing you, cut the dough in half horizontally: Measure 7 inches up the side, mark the dough and cut in half, using the mark as a guide.
• Evenly spread the fig jam over the bottom half of the dough, leaving a little room at the edges. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the jam. Top with the other half of the dough, pressing down lightly to adhere to the cheese and jam. With a pizza cutter, cut into 1/2-inch strips (about 24 strips).
• Twist each strip four or five times, then pinch the ends together to prevent unraveling while baking. Place the twists on the prepared baking sheets.
• Mix the egg with 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl and brush onto the twists. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cheese.
• Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before releasing the straws from the parchment with an offset spatula. Let cool completely.
• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

CRUNCHY MANCHEGO FIG STRAWS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a 12-by-14-inch rectangle. With a short side facing you, cut the dough in half horizontally: To do this, measure 7 inches up the side, mark the dough and cut in half, using the mark as a guide.
• Evenly spread the fig jam over the bottom half of the dough, leaving a little room around the edges. Sprinkle 1 cup cheese over the jam. Top with the other half of the dough, pressing down lightly to adhere to the cheese and jam. With a pizza cutter, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips (about 24 strips).
• Twist each strip 4 or 5 times, then pinch the ends together to prevent unraveling while baking. Place the twists on the baking sheets. Beat the egg with 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl and brush onto the twists. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons cheese.
• Bake the cheese straws until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before releasing from the parchment with an offset spatula. Let cool completely. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

BREAKFAST PARFAITS WITH FIG COMPOTE

Steps:

• Mix together the blackberries, blueberries and strawberries in a bowl. Put 2 tablespoons Fig Compote in the bottom of six parfait glass. Top with 1/4 cup yogurt, followed by 1/4 cup of the mixed berries. Add another layer of yogurt, and then top with 1 tablespoon Fig Compote and 2 tablespoons Fruit-and-Nut Trail Mix. Serve immediately.
• Combine the figs, sugar, vinegar, orange zest and juice, cinnamon and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a medium pot over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Begin to break down the figs with a potato masher or the edge of a wooden spoon. Continue to boil until the compote has thickened enough to resemble a chutney and a wooden spoon drawn through the mixture leaves a track behind it, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely, about 15 minutes.
• Stir in the honey and season with salt. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Combine the walnuts, cashews, coconut flakes and pepitas in a large bowl; toss with the coconut oil and some salt. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet. Bake until toasted and fragrant, 10 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 20 minutes.
• Mix in the banana chips, goji berries and dried pineapple. Stir in the carob chips if you want a bit of "chocolate" with your trail mix! Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature.