| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 6g | 3g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 2g | 4g | 0.38g |
I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite fruit-based delights: Figs Stuffed with Blue Cheese. There is something about the contrast of the sweet juicy figs and the creamy, sumptuous blue cheese that brings a symphony of flavors to your palate. This exquisite recipe pays homage to the plentiful fig groves that dot the sunny valleys of California, the place I fondly call home. There’s an undeniable charm of picking fresh figs, soft and fruity, and pairing them with bold blue cheese – a blissful mélange that treads the line between sweet and savory.
A Taste of the West Coast
Reflecting the typical West Coast ethos of healthy yet flavorful dishes, Figs Stuffed with Blue Cheese combines the wholesome goodness of fresh fruits with the robustness of blue cheese. The recipe’s sweet indulgence comes from natural sources, like honey and figs, instead of processed sugars. Honey is known for its rich antioxidant properties and figs are high in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and overall health.
Figs and Blue Cheese—a Strikingly Unique Pairing
But what guarantees this recipe a special place in my heart is the playful dance between the succulent sweetness of the figs and the sharp, distinct flavors of blue cheese. Anyone familiar with pairing cheese with fruit knows the joy of discovering a pairing that just works, and this is one of those exceptional combinations. Infused with a luscious red wine reduction, these stuffed figs flirt with your tastebuds, delivering a gastronomical experience unlike any other.
Some may liken this dish to the classic fruit and cheese platters, but I like to think of it as a fancier, more compact version – an elegant hors d’oeuvre perfect for any occasion.
And if you’re thinking about wine pairings, Figs Stuffed with Blue Cheese goes wonderfully well with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, whose high acidity provides the perfect counterpoint to the recipe’s rich, creamy flavors.
So, next time you’re looking to prepare something unique that encompasses the warm, sunny spirit of California, consider this recipe. The perfect blend of wholesome, hearty, and deliciously indulgent, Figs Stuffed with Blue Cheese embodies the essence of West Coast culinary tradition.
What You’ll Need
- 12 fresh figs
- 3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Method
Step One
Start by washing the figs and pat them dry. Slice off the stems and make an X-cut on the top of each fig about halfway down. Ensure you do not cut all the way through.
Step Two
Using a small spoon, carefully stuff the figs with crumbled blue cheese. After stuffing, gently press on the openings to slightly close the figs.
Step Three
In a small saucepan, combine the red wine and sugar. Heat this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step Four
Once the wine-sugar mixture is ready, carefully place the figs in the saucepan and allow them to simmer until they are tender and the wine has reduced to a syrupy consistency. This process should take about 30 minutes.
Step Five
Once the figs are done, remove them from the saucepan using a slotted spoon and let them cool slightly. While the figs are cooling, continue reducing the wine mixture until it becomes thick and syrupy.
Step Six
Place the cooled figs on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with honey, the reduced wine syrup, and sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top.
Step Seven
Serve Figs Stuffed with Blue Cheese immediately. They make a perfect appetizer or a gourmet dessert when served with a glass of the remaining red wine.
