Recipes

Warm Figs Filled with Lavender and Goat Cheese

MAKES 4 DOZEN HORS D'OEUVRES

Ingredients:

• 24 small fresh black figs, halved lengthwise
• 3/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (about 3 ounces)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped lavender
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a small skillet; add the vinegar, onion, lavender, thyme, and salt. Cook until onion softens, then remove from stovetop.

Arrange the figs on a baking sheet, cut sides up. Spoon a little goat cheese on each fig half and then add onion and herb mixture while still warm and lightly brush the figs with the vinegar. Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the figs are warmed through.

Transfer the figs to a platter and serve immediately.

Recipe by William Varney