8 Fresh Figs
200g of your favourite soft Goats Cheese
Sea Salt
Freshly ground Black Pepper
125g of Balsamic Vinegar
15g of good quality Honey
8 Slices of Prosciutto
A handful of Rocket
2 Tbsp of Wallnuts, Almonds, Pistachios or Pine nuts, chopped
If you’re going to bake them, turn your oven on to 220C / 425F/ Gas7.
First thing first let’s make the Honey Balsamic reduction, so place the vinegar and the honey in a small pot and over a low flame. Stir constantly until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon. Let it cool.
Tip 1 : Don’t walk away from this while it’s on the stove as it can easily go too thick and burn. Also remember that as it cools it will further thicken. If you find that it has gone too thick place back on the stove and add a bit of water.
Now the cheese and figs. Chop the cheese into smaller bits and place it in a bowl, mix until you have a crumbly mixture.
Then grab the figs and make a cross cut on the top and about half way down the fig so it’s enough to open them slightly. Gently stuff a teaspoon of your goat’s cheese in there and then wrap a slice of your prosciutto around the fig to keep it from opening.
Tip #2 : There is a reason why you should use goat’s cheese in this recipe, and it’s simply down to sharpness and contras. So whatever you go for mild or strong just make sure it’s goat’s.
If you are baking the figs place them on an oven tray and pop them into the oven for 5 minutes just until the cheese starts to melt. Otherwise serve straight away.
Tip #3 : The only thing you need to consider is the ripeness of your figs. If they are quite soft it might not be a good idea to bake them as they might come apart.
How to serve:
On a plate place a small amount of washed and dried rocket. Gently lay your fig (fresh or baked) on top of the rocket. Sprinkle with your favourite chopped nuts, season with a little salt and pepper and drizzle with your honey balsamic reduction.
Enjoy