Fresh Figs Marinated In Sherry With Aged Goat Cheese And Basil Recipes

FIG AND GOAT CHEESE BRUSCHETTAS

Steps:

• Place the orange zest and orange juice in a medium (10-inch) heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset. Add the sugar, vanilla bean, and figs to the pot. Cover and bring to a full boil over medium heat. (Don't worry; it may look dry.) Stir the mixture and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Lower the heat, and cook uncovered at a full simmer for 50 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the little bubbles to be throughout the pot, not just at the edges. After 45 minutes, refrigerate a small amount of the liquid to see if it becomes syrupy. It should be like a soft fruit preserve. Keep cooking just until the liquid starts to gel when cold. If the liquid is too firm, add a little orange juice or water, cook for a minute, and test it again until it's right. Depending on how ripe the figs are, they will probably keep their shape, but it's fine if they don't. Discard the vanilla bean and serve or refrigerate.
• Before serving, toast or grill the bread and spread with goat cheese. Spoon the fig preserves on, then the grated orange zest if using, and serve.

FRESH FIGS MARINATED IN SHERRY WITH AGED GOAT CHEESE AND BASIL

Steps:

• Cut off the stem of each fig and slice each fig 1/4 inch thick. Lay the slices in a single layer on a plate.
• Mix the sherry and vinegar together in a small bowl and brush or spoon onto the fig slices, then sprinkle with black pepper. Let figs marinate at room temperature for one hour.
• To serve, lightly toast the bread. Spread one side of each slice generously with the goat cheese. Divide the fig slices evenly among the bread slices, arranging them on top of the goat cheese. Sprinkle with basil.

BAKED FIGS AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut goat cheese into 6 thick slices. Line an 8-by 12-inch earthenware baking dish with fig leaves (if using). Arrange goat cheese in center of dish and surround with fig halves. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with thyme. Drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until both cheese and figs are softened. Run under broiler for 1 minute to brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

FIGS STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Use your fingers to roll the goat cheese into 24 1/2 teaspoon-sized balls.
• Cut figs in half. Press a cheese ball into the center of each fig. Plate them and drizzle with vinegar. Serve within an hour.