Pancetta Grilled Figs Recipes

PANCETTA-WRAPPED FIGS

Steps:

• Bring vinegar, water, sugar, juniper berries, peppercorns, and cloves to a boil in a small saucepan. Add figs, and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, to bring to room temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer figs to a cutting board using a slotted spoon; cut in half. Wrap a pancetta strip around each half. Transfer, seam side down, to a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Bake until pancetta is browned, about 30 minutes. Secure each with a toothpick. Serve warm.

CHICKEN, FIG, AND PANCETTA BITES

Steps:

• If using fresh figs proceed to the preheat instructions. If using dried figs, place a small pan of water on stove and bring to a simmer. Add figs and plump them in water for 5 minutes. Drain and cool.
• Preheat griddle or grill pan over medium to high heat.
• Cut chicken into large chunks: cut a tenderloin in half or cut a thigh into 3 chunks. Drizzle chicken with balsamic and oil and toss to coat. Wash hands and season chicken with salt and pepper.
• Place a half fig on each piece of chicken and wrap with 1 slice of pancetta. Skewer to secure and place on grill. Wash hands again. Grill chicken bites 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

GRILLED PANCETTA-WRAPPED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas).
• Trim asparagus to 6 inches long, then toss with oil and 1/4 tsp pepper in a small dish. Wrap middle of each asparagus with 1 slice of pancetta. Thread 3 or 4 wrapped asparagus 1/2 inch apart onto each skewer.
• Oil grill rack, then grill asparagus, uncovered, turning, until pancetta is golden brown in spots and asparagus is crisp-tender, about 6 minutes.

PANCETTA GRILLED FIGS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the grill to high.2. Cut each strip of pancetta in half each piece should be just large enough to wrap up a fig. Wrap each fig, topped with a sage leaf, in pancetta, and secure with a small bamboo skewer or toothpick by running the skewer or toothpick through the center of the fig and out the other side.3. When ready to cook, arrange the figs on the hot grate and grill, turning once with tongs, until heated through and the pancetta is crisp, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and remove the skewers or toothpicks before serving, or at least warn everyone of their presence.Makes 12 pieces serves 4 to 6 as an appetizerNote: You could also use dried figs for this recipe. Soak them in a bowl of boiled water (or, better yet, hot Marsala wine or port) for 30 minutes, or until soft, then drain and proceed with the recipe.