Grilled Figs With Thyme Honey And Gorgonzola Toasts Food

BRUSCHETTA WITH GORGONZOLA CHEESE AND HONEY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Arrange the sliced baguette on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil. Bake until the bread is pale golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.
• Arrange the cheese on the toasts and bake until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.
• Drizzle the toasts with honey. Place on a serving platter and serve immediately.

SAFFRON SCENTED FRESH FIGS WITH CINNAMON AND HONEY

Steps:

• Place 300ml cold water, the sugar, saffron, cinnamon stick and honey in a large pan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Bring to the boil gently and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the syrup has reduced slightly.
• Add the figs and simmer for a further 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
• Serve the figs warm with the yogurt and drizzled with the saffron syrup.
• Serving tip - Stir the yogurt into the cooled syrup for an extra creamy sauce, or serve chilled with ice cream.

GRILLED FIG & ARUGULA SALAD WITH GORGONZOLA TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the grill.
• To make the FIGS: Thread 4 fig halves lengthwise on each skewer, coat the figs with cooking spray.
• Place fig kabobs on the grill rack and and grill 4 minutes on each side. Let cool a little bit then remove from the skewers.
• To make the SALAD DRESSING: Combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.
• SALAD: Mix the spinach and arugula in a large bowl.
• Add the dresing, toss gently to coat.
• Divide the mixture evently among 8 serving plates, then top with the figs and Boston lettuce leaves, sprinkle with green onions.
• TOASTS: Combine the cheese and butter in a small bowl, stir until well-blended.
• Grill the bread slices 5 minutes on each side or until golden, let cool.
• Spread 1 tsp cheese mixture on each slide and serve with each salad.
• 1 serving = 1 cup salad, 1 lettuce leaf, 3 fig halves, and 1 gorgonzola toast.

PROSCIUTTO ROASTED FIGS

Steps:

• Make a small slit in the side of each fig and stuff a raisin-size piece of cheese in the opening.
• Wrap a piece of prosciutto around each to enclose like a little cocoon.
• Stand the figs on a sheet pan.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes so the prosciutto melts slightly and forms a skin around the figs.
• Season with lots of ground black pepper.

LOUKOUMADES

Steps:

• Sift the flour and salt together into a bowl.
• Sprinkle the yeast over the lukewarm water and stir to dissolve.
• Add yeast mixture to flour and beat or knead 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let rise 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in bulk.
• Heat oil for deep fat frying.
• Pinch off small pieces of dough and fry in hot oil about 3 min until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
• In a saucepan, combine the honey thru lemon juice and bring to a boil.
• Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves and mixture is syrupy.
• Pour over hot puffs and sprinkle with cinnamon.

GRILLED FRESH FIGS ON ROSEMARY SKEWERS

Steps:

• Strip the leaves from the bottom of the rosemary stems, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of leaves at the tip.
• Finely chop 2 tablespoons of the stripped rosemary leaves and set them aside.
• Place the stems in a bowl and add cold water to cover; soak for at least 30 minutes.
• Drain the stems and pat them dry with paper towelling.
• Skewer 2 fig halves crosswise on each rosemary stem.
• Arrange the skewers on a plate with the cut sides of the figs facing up.
• In a small bowl, mix together honey and lemon juice.
• Brush the honey/lemon mixture over the cut side of the figs.
• Preheat the broiler or grill to medium-high.
• Grill or broil the figs until they are lightly browned and softened, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
• Sprinkle evenly with the reserved rosemary leaves and some black pepper.
• Serve on the skewers while still hot.