Nutty Fig Toasts Food

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).

FIG TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees or its highest possible setting. Toast the bread: lay the bread slices directly on the oven rack and toast in the heated oven until golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Place the toast on 4 warmed plates.
• Meanwhile, trim stems off the figs. Slice the figs in half and dip them in sugar, turning so they are well coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter, add the almonds, and saute until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Set them aside. Heat the remaining butter in a skillet until foaming. Add the figs, cut side down, and saute until done, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Set the figs on the toast and spoon over the pan juices. Top each toast with yogurt and a sprinkling of toasted almonds. Serve at once so the toast stays crisp.

ROQUEFORT, PEAR AND WALNUT TOASTS

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler.
• Arrange 12 slices of baguette on the broiler pan in a single layer. Toast bread lightly on each side under broiler. Remove broiler pan from broiler. Spread out sliced pears on cutting surface and squeeze the juice of a wedge of lemon over the slices to keep them from browning. Place a slice of pear on each toast and top with Roquefort crumbles and walnut pieces. Return pan to broiler 6 inches from heat source and broil toasts 2 or 3 minutes to melt cheese and toast walnuts. Transfer to a plate and start snacking!

NUTTY PASTA

Steps:

• Put the nuts and herbs in the food processor and whiz up. The mixture will be fine, but should still have texture, not be completely pulverized.
• Cook the spaghetti in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain. Toss in a bowl with the nuts (reserving some for garnish), olive oil, cheese, and orange zest, to taste, if using. Serve immediately.

BRIE STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Steps:

• In a medium-hot pan, melt 2 ounces of butter. After butter melts, but before starting to brown, add walnuts. Reduce heat to medium and lightly cook walnuts until you begin to smell aroma of toasted nuts. Add bananas to walnuts. Cook approximately 3 to 5 minutes or until bananas begin to caramelize. Remove pan from heat (very important, do not add liqueur to pan while still on burner), add banana liqueur and return to heat. If pan is hot enough, let most of the liquid evaporate until removing from heat. Add maple syrup and set aside in serving container. Combine half-and-half, cinnamon, vanilla, eggs, sugar, pinch of salt in shallow bowl. Stir vigorously to combine cinnamon with mixture. Dip challah bread into egg mixture, make sure that bread soaks up liquid.
• Heat pan to medium. Melt tablespoon of butter. After butter has melted and before it begins to brown, add 2 slices to pan. Gently lay bread into butter. After approximately 30 to 45 seconds, turn over 1 slice, place brie on cooked side of challah. Place other piece of challah bread on top of brie (uncooked side still facing up). Add more butter if necessary. Cook another minute, turn over, cook 1 more minute. Continue with the remaining bread and cheese in the same manner.
• Place on a plate, spoon your syrup mixture on top and enjoy.

WALNUT TOASTS WITH FIG JAM AND MANCHEGO CHEESE

Steps:

• Top walnut bread with cheese shavings and a dollop of fig jam.