Fig Love

My sister-in-law Britney organizes cooking classes from time to time.  She asks a few of her friends who like to cook to teach some of their favorite recipes.  The best part is you get to sample each dish.  I've been to a couple of the classes and have gotten some keeper recipes.  This is one of them. 

This is a simple and delicious appetizer.  I love the combination of all the textures.  The figs have a sort of snap to them. 

Fig Love
Recipe from Gourmet

• 12 slices of baguette
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 6 dried figs
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons pistachios, toasted and shelled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Robiola cheese (I use the spreadable goat cheese from Trader Joe's)

Combine red wine vinegar, sugar, water, and figs in a saucepan; bring to a simmer.

Remove from heat and let sit until figs soften, about 30 minutes.

Halve figs lengthwise.

Finely crush pistachios and combine with olive oil.

Toast baguette slices. 

Smear goat cheese onto warm toasts.  Top with halved figs.  Drizzle with pistachio oil.