Fresh Fig Bruschetta

Fresh Fig Bruschetta

Serves 6
Creamy cheese, delicate figs, and crunchy hazelnuts on crisp toast serves up the perfect flavor and texture combination.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided use)
  • 1 tablespoon snipped chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Kosher salt
  • 6 slice baguette
  • 1 clove garlic (sliced in half lengthwise)
  • 5 tablespoons chopped roasted hazelnuts (divided use)
  • 3 fresh figs (cut into 1/4-inch slices)
  • Hot honey

Directions

  1. If ricotta is watery, spread on a paper towel and drain for a minute or two. Then, scrape into a bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil, chives, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Chill, if made ahead.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub one side of each slice of bread with cut side of raw garlic. Place bread, garlic side up, on large, rimmed baking sheet. Brush with remaining olive oil. Toast 5 to10 minutes, until fragrant and crisp.
  3. Just before serving, stir 1/4 cup hazelnuts into cheese mixture.
  4. Spread cheese mixture on toasts. Top with fig slices. Drizzle with hot honey. Sprinkle with remaining hazelnuts.
  5. VARIATIONS:
  6. Pomegranate Drizzle: Mix 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses with 2 tablespoons honey. Drizzle over bruschetta instead of hot honey.
  7. Warm Brie and Prosciutto: Instead of herbed ricotta, top toasted bread slices with a slice of prosciutto and a sliver of brie. Return to oven for a minute or two, until cheese warms. Top with fig slices and drizzle with hot honey. Sprinkle with hazelnuts.
  8. Soft Goat or Blue Cheese: Mix a little cream or mascarpone with goat or blue cheese until it becomes a spreadable consistency. Use in place of herbed ricotta.