Roasted Figs And Onions With Gorgonzola Crout Food

ROASTED FIGS AND ONIONS WITH GORGONZOLA CROUT

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃). In a medium bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and mint. Slice the onions in half, from stem to root end and add to bowl. Coat onions and place in a shallow baking dish and roost for 30 minutes. Add figs to baking dish, baste with juices and roast for 15 more minutes. Meanwhile, mix gorgonzola, Tabasco, Worcestershire and thin with cream to make a spreadable mixture. Brush baguette slices with garlic oil. Remove the onions and figs from oven, raise oven to 400 degrees and toast the baguette slices for about7 minutes, until browned. To serve: Spread the cheese mixture on the bread. Place the onion and fig mixture on a platter, and surround with the croutons. Serve immediately. Tip: DRIED FIGS Heat your figs with a mixture of brandy and water to barely cover. Cook 15 to 20 minutes until softened. Serve with mascarpone cheese or whipped cream.

BAKED FIGS WITH GORGONZOLA AND AGED BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Steps:

• Cut figs in half, then stuff with a teaspoon of cheese and cover with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Bake in 350-degree oven until warm, about 3 to 4 minutes. Mix oil and vinegar to make a dressing and toss with the mesclun salad. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the salad on the plate with the figs.

CROSTINI WITH GORGONZOLA, CARAMELIZED ONIONS, AND FIG JAM

Steps:

• To prepare jam, remove stems from figs. Place figs and juice in a food processor; process until figs are coarsely chopped.
• Place fig mixture, 2 cups water, syrup, and dash of salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until thick. Cool completely.
• To prepare onions, heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
• Add onion, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and cook 20 minutes or until onion is deep golden brown, stirring occasionally.
• While onion cooks, add 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup at a time, to keep onion from sticking to pan.
• Spread 1 teaspoon cheese over each baguette slice. Top each slice with about 1 teaspoon onion mixture and 1 teaspoon jam. Sprinkle evenly with thyme leaves.