Baked Feta And Figs Food

BAKED FETA AND FIGS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C) with a rack in the center position.
• Combine the figs in a 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-cm) baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the salt, and pepper and toss to coat. If your block of feta is packed in brine, drain it and pat it dry. Nudge the figs toward the edges of the baking dish, and place the block of feta in the center.
• Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil and the honey over the cheese and then sprinkle the tarragon over everything.
• Bake until the figs have released some of their juices and the feta is knife-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. The feta should be relaxed and gloriously melted around the edges. If using any of the substitutes for figs, you may need to add about 5 more minutes to the baking time-you want the fruit to be softened but not shriveled.
• Serve the baked feta and figs warm, with plenty of crackers or warm pita alongside. To balance out the sweetness, feel free to add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar (or a nice glass of Malbec, for that matter).

ROASTED FIGS AND FETA SPREAD TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Wash the figs and remove the tough stem. Cut them in half and place in a small baking dish.
• Toss the figs with the balsamic vinegar (or orange liqueur), the thyme and the lemon zest. Turn the figs so they are all cut-side-down on the baking dish. They should fit in a single layer.
• Roast the figs for about 20 minutes and remove them from the oven. They should still have some juices at this point. Let them cool.
• While the figs are roasting, prepare the Feta spread: place the Feta, Greek yogurt, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small food processor and process until fairly smooth.
• Add the extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream while continuing to pulse (you may need more or less olive oil, depending on the consistency you desire). Taste and adjust the seasoning. Refrigerate or use right away.
• Assemble the toasts by slathering a layer of the Feta spread over the toasted bread, top with two or three fig halves (depending on the size of the toast), drizzle with the pan juices and some extra honey (to taste), and sprinkle with fresh thyme, lemon zest, and some sesame seeds (optional).

FRESH FIG AND FETA SALAD WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Toasted Walnuts:.
• In a large, heavy frying pan, over a high heat, toast the walnuts for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove and set aside to cool.
• Vinaigrette:.
• Put the vinegar and a good pinch of salt and black pepper in a screw-top jar and shake until the salt has dissolved. Add the mustard and walnut oil, then shake again to emulsify - the emulsion will hold for ten minutes or so, but give it another jiggle just before you use it to dress the salad.
• Salad:.
• Wipe the fresh figs gently, and cut them in half. Arrange them on a large platter, OR on individual plates - allowing 4 to 5 fresh figs per person, depending on the size.
• Sprinkle 1 to 1 1/2 ozs of crumbled feta or goat's cheese per person, over the top of the fresh figs.
• Scatter the chopped,toasted walnuts over the fig salad.
• Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, and garnish each plate with 1 - 2 fresh fig leaves if available.
• Serve with crusty bread and butter.
• Can also be served as a dessert/cheese course combined.