November 7, 2012
It’s a hard time of year to say farewell to my Black Mission fig tree; this fall it’s been a non-stop fig fest. Thankfully, the farmers market still has them. If you’re entertaining this fall and are lucky enough to get your hands on some fresh figs, here is the best (and easiest) appetizer.
Serves 6
½ of a baguette or flat bread crackers
Olive oil
8 figs
1/2 lb slice of d’affinois
2 tablespoons sherry (stock item in my pantry- I buy Oloroso)
2 tablespoons Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh mint
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove d’Affinois from refrigerator.
Using a little more than half of a baguette, thinly slice 12 – 14 pieces of bread (you can usually get about 20 slices of bread from one baguette). Brush the bread pieces with olive oil and lightly salt. Cook until golden brown about 10-12 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Cut the stem and neck portion of the fig off and slice the remaining figs in rounds and place on a baking rack. In a small bowl, combine Sherry and Sauvignon Blanc and brush onto fig slices. Spread the cheese on the bread pieces and place the drunken/basted fig rounds on top. Place the crostinis on a pretty platter. Julienne a few mint leaves and sprinkle on top and serve.
A note about formage d’Affinois: After the Saturday farmers market I usually stroll up to C’est Cheese. Kathryn carries d’Affinois made by Guilloteau out of the Rhone-Alps region. This particular one is a pasteurized cows milk cheese. It’s a great go to option for a creamy cheese on a platter or smothered on a piece of crusty bread for an afternoon snack.
