By Ellie Krieger
I certainly won't be attending any parties this season, but I will still be whipping up these luscious, healthful bites for my little gang of three at home. Although I feel more numb than overwhelmed this year, I am grateful for the simplicity of this dish.
All it involves is slicing some dried mission figs in half, and gently pressing their soft insides to make little cups, each of which holds a dollop of soft goat cheese. (You could substitute ricotta if you'd like.)
I like to pipe the cheese into each fig by putting the cheese into a plastic bag, snipping the end and squeezing it out. A toasted pistachio is set, jewel-like, into each piece, then they get a glistening drizzle of honey seasoned with orange essence, and a shower of fresh mint leaves.
The presentation is festive and elegant, and each bite-size piece is a sensation of sweet, earthy, fresh, chewy and creamy. It's a recipe that works as a starter, dessert or midday nibble, making any time of the day feel like a special occasion. Plus, I can practically guarantee rave reviews.
Figs With Goat Cheese, Pistachios and Mint (Serves 6-12)
Ingredients
24 unsalted shelled pistachios
12 dried black Mission figs, stemmed
4 ounces soft goat cheese (chevre), at room temperature (may substitute ricotta)
2 to 4 teaspoons milk (low-fat or whole)
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon fresh orange juice
1 pinch finely grated orange zest
1 pinch kosher salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
Method
In a small, dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast the pistachios, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a small dish to cool.
Cut each fig in half lengthwise. Press the backside of a small spoon, such as a 1/2-teaspoon measuring spoon, into the cut side of each fig piece to form a shallow cup. Arrange the fig pieces on a serving dish, cut side up.
In a small bowl, mash the goat cheese with a fork until creamy, adding the milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, as needed, until smooth and dollop-able. In another small bowl, stir together the honey, orange juice and zest. (If not serving right away, refrigerate until needed.)
Using a small spoon or piping bag with a tip snipped off, fill each fig half with the goat cheese mixture; if not serving right away, refrigerate until needed. Otherwise top each fig piece with a pistachio, drizzle with the honey-orange mixture and sprinkle with the salt and the mint.
Need more interesting ideas for your festive season celebrations? Then check out the latest edition of the IOL Food DigiMag, here