Joanne Weir Follow @ChefJoanneWeir

Crostini with Dried Fig Paste and Goat Cheese

Crostini with Dried Fig Paste and Goat Cheese

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 cup dried figs, stems removed and quartered (Blue Ribbon®, Orchard Choice®,  and Sun-Maid® are excellent brands)
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
Pinch salt
5 ounces fresh goat cheese, room temperature
18 baguette slices, sliced on a sharp diagonal
1 green onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

Place the dried figs, orange juice, water, orange zest and salt in a saucepan.  Over low heat, simmer until the dried figs are soft and 2 tablespoons of the liquid remains, 20 to 30 minutes.  If the mixture gets dry, add water to keep it moist.  Cool the mixture and puree in a blender or food processor to make a paste.  Reserve.

Toast the baguette slices.  Spread the dried fig paste on top of the crostini distributing evenly.  Place the goat cheese in a bowl and mash.  Spread about 1/2 tablespoon goat cheese over the dried fig paste.  Sprinkle with the green onions and serve.