Recipe :: Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizers

Ficus carica, known to us as the common fig, originated in northern Asia Minor. Spaniards brought the fig to America in 1520. Sumerian stone tablets dating back to 2500 B.C. record the usage of figs.

Cooked figs were used as sweeteners in lieu of sugar in historical times, and this usage still continues today in North Africa and the Middle East. Figs are high in potassium, iron, fiber and plant calcium, figs are also used for medicinal purposes as a diuretic and laxative.

The fig tree can live as long as 100 years and grow to 100 feet tall, although domestic trees are kept pruned. (Source: About.com).

Figs make Delicious Appetizers:

Fresh figs are some of my favorite seasonal fruits. But aside from eating them as is, I couldn’t think of ways to incorporate them into any other summer dishes. That is until my fabulous sister-in-law served this simple appetizer at a family barbecue. The figs vanished in seconds. My husband loved this appetizer so much he went out the next weekend and planted a fig tree in our back yard. We now have over a dozen figs growing on it just waiting to be made into this delicious dish! They disappear quickly so I figure on 3 portions per person. Each fig will make two portions.

Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe:

fresh, ripe figs (the purple variety – they should give easily to a gentle touch)

log of goat cheese

fresh basil cut into chiffonades (thin strips)

high quality balsamic vinegar

Cut figs in half horizontally. Dollop with a teaspoon or so of goat cheese. Add a few strips thinly sliced basil to the top. Drizzle with vinegar. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper.