Figs With Fennel Goat Cheese And Green Peppercorn Vinaigrette Recipes

GOAT CHEESE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk the vinegar and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Whisk in a couple of turns of freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the goat cheese.

FRESH FETTUCCINE WITH FIGS, PROSCIUTTO AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a heavy baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray.
• Arrange the prosciutto in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towels. When cool enough to handle, crumble the prosciutto into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Cut the pasta dough in quarters and press flat. Run each piece of pasta dough several times through a pasta-rolling machine, adjusting the setting each time until the pasta is about 1/16-inch thick. Add the fettuccine attachment and run the pasta sheets through. Dust the fettuccine lightly with flour to avoid sticking.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the olive oil and pasta. Cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes. Place the pasta in a large serving bowl.
• For the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the figs, broth, orange juice, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the goat cheese, mascarpone cheese and lemon zest until the sauce is creamy.
• Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and toss until all the ingredients are coated. Top with the crumbled prosciutto and serve.
• Place the cake flour, all-purpose flour, egg yolks and salt in a food processor. Pulse to combine. With the machine running, gradually add the oil then 1/3 to 1/2 cup water until the mixture forms a dough (the dough should stick together if pinched between your fingers). If necessary, add additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time if the dough is too dry.
• Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Gather the dough into a ball and knead until the dough is smooth, 5 to 8 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Cut the dough into quarters and press flat. Run each piece of pasta dough several times through a pasta-rolling machine, adjusting the setting each time, until the pasta is about 1/8 to 1/16-inch thick. Cut the pasta into the desired shape and use as needed.

FIGS-IN-A-BLANKET WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 400°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Stir vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and 1 cup water in a medium pot. Add figs and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until figs are softened and liquid has almost evaporated and is a syrupy consistency, 7-10 minutes. Transfer figs to a plate; let cool.
• Beat egg with 1 Tbsp. water in a small bowl. If using a 14-ounce package with 1 sheet of pastry, roll pastry to an 18x12" rectangle on a lightly floured surface. If using a 17-ounce package with 2 sheets of pastry, roll each sheet to a 12x9" rectangle. Cut pastry along the 12" side into 12 (1-inch-wide) strips. Cut each strip crosswise into pieces about 4 1/2" long. You should have 48 (4 1/2x1") strips pastry.
• Scoop a heaping 1/2 tsp. cheese and press into cut side of 1 fig half. Place fig half in the center of 1 pastry strip. Brush 1 end of pastry with egg wash and roll to enclose. Transfer seam side down to prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining cheese, figs, and pastry. Brush top of each pastry with egg wash and sprinkle with seeds, if using. Bake pastries, rotating and switching sheets top to bottom halfway through, until golden brown and puffed, 15-18 minutes.
• Do Ahead
• Figs can be cooked 2 days ahead; cover and chill.

FIGS IN RED WINE WITH HERBED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Figs: In a nonreactive medium pot combine the wine, honey, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer, over low heat, and cook until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes. Add the figs and cook for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick.
• Goat cheese: In a shallow bowl, mix together the walnuts and thyme. With damp hands, roll the goat cheese into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls into the nut mixture until coated.
• To serve: Spoon the figs into 2 glasses and drizzle with the wine syrup. Add the herbed goat cheese and serve.

ROASTED FIGS WITH BABY GREENS AND HONEY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Cut a small "X" in the top of the figs and squeeze it gently to crown it slightly. Put the figs on a sheet pan, drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until the figs are soft and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
• Put the mixed greens and chopped herbs in a bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper; toss gently with your hands.
• In a small bowl, combine the honey, warm water, and lemon juice; whisk with a fork to combine.
• To serve, divide the greens between 2 plates, mound the chunks of gorgonzola cheese on the side of each and place 2 roasted figs in the center of the salad. Drizzle the whole thing with the warm honey vinaigrette.

ELEGANT FIG APPETIZERS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven broiler for high heat.
• Place the fig halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Top each half with about 1/2 teaspoon goat cheese. Place one almond on each, press to push the cheese slightly into each fig.
• Broil the figs in the preheated oven until the cheese is soft and the almonds are turning a rich shade of brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the broiler and let cool for 5 minutes. Arrange the figs on a serving platter and drizzle with honey and balsamic vinegar. Serve warm.

FENNEL WITH ROSEMARY, SHALLOTS AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add baby fennel, and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes, then drain.
• Butter the bottom of a shallow baking dish, and sprinkle with garlic, rosemary, and shallots. Arrange the fennel in the baking dish, and pour in the white wine. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 30 minutes, basting occasionally. Set the oven to Broil, then sprinkle the fennel with crumbled goat cheese. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.