Manchego Prosciutto Port Glazed Fig Bites Food

MANCHEGO-PROSCIUTTO PORT GLAZED FIG BITES

Steps:

• Prep figs. Use a paring knife to cut off any bits of stem that may remain on the dried figs. Then make a slit with the knife in each fig -- the slits should be made lengthwise and go about halfway through. Set aside.
• Hydrate figs. Pour the port into a small pot and add the figs. Gently stir to be sure they're well coated, and the bring to a boil. Turn the heat off, cover, and let the figs hydrate for about 15 minutes.
• Prep cheese. While the figs are hydrating, remove the rind from the Manchego and cut it into 2 dozen tiny chunks that will fit snugly into the slits in the figs.
• Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Assemble. Use a slotted spoon to remove the figs from the port (save what's the pot!), placing them on a cutting board, or directly on the parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. Very gently squeeze a chunk of Manchego into each slit in the figs.Then, use your hands to tear thin strips from the prosciutto -- they should be about 2 X ½ inch strips. They might not stay intact, and that's okay. Wrap a strip around each Manchego-filled fig. It should wrap around the fig at least once, and twice is also okay. Be sure the "seam" is on the bottom.
• Make glaze. Bring the port that remains in the sauce pan to a strong simmer and do not cover. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes or so, just until it's a nice, thick consistency. Set aside.
• Heat under broiler. If they're not already on the prepared baking sheet, place them on it, at least an inch apart with the prosciutto seam side down. Place the baking sheet under the broiler until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto begins to sizzle or brown.
• Glaze and serve. Carefully put them on a platter and stick a small toothpick into either 1 or 2 of the figs. Drizzle generously with the port glaze and serve. (If the glaze has become firm at all, simply warm it again.)

FIGS WITH PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Halve the figs lengthways and put them, cut side down, without oil, in a hot griddle pan (or heavy-based frying pan) for 1 minute until charred. Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and salt and black pepper to taste, and, while still warm, wrap each half in a little piece of prosciutto.
• Serve as canapés or a starter, garnished with shaved parmesan and fresh mint or rocket leaves.