Roasted Figs And Feta Spread Toasts 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).

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.

ROASTED TOMATOES AND WHIPPED FETA ON TOAST

Steps:

• Press the feta for an hour: Take a stack of plates, wrap the feta in a dish towel, put it on the bottom plate, and put the rest of the stack on top of it.
• Purée the pressed feta in a food processor until smooth. Combine the feta and heavy cream in a bowl and mix it by hand until it's smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Slice your loaf of bread into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. Toast your pieces in the oven or toaster just until heated; you want it crispy and warm, but no color.
• In a large bowl, place grapefruit juice, tomato oil, garlic, arugula and herbs; toss to combine. Add more oil and grapefruit juice if desired.
• Spread the whipped feta on the toast, then put down a layer of greens. Top with a layer of tomatoes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, sprinkle the grapefruit zest on top, and serve.