Fig, Gorgonzola and Balsamic Crostini Recipe

Servings: 12

These hors d'oeuvres offer a wonderful blend of flavors with the sharp cheese and the sweet figs. They are perfect for a party or banquet.

Ingredients:

• 1 thin baguette, sliced into 12- 1/4" thick rounds
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 cup soft Gorgonzola cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 Tbsp. toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
• 6 large fresh ripe figs, cut in half
• 2 tsp. lemon zest
• 2 Tbsp. good quality balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped chives
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. Place the baguette slices on a tray and drizzle the olive oil over the top.
3. Place tray in oven and heat until the slices just start to brown on the edges, but are still somewhat soft in the center (about 3 minutes).
4. Remove tray from oven.
5. Combine the gorgonzola and cream cheese and blend well.
6. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and lemon zest and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the figs and the walnuts in the balsamic vinegar mixture and toss to coat well.
8. Spread the gorgonzola mixture onto the toasted baguette pieces and top each with 1 fig half.
9. Drizzle the extra marinade over the top of the figs and garnish with the chopped chives.