I'm always on the lookout for foolproof, super quick, but super impressive recipes. These become my go-to favourites for entertaining and last minute dinners. It's one of those appetizers that you can easily put together while you are prepping your other dishes and takes very little attention.
You can also easily assemble ahead of time. As long as you don’t overcook the figs, you can put most of this together up to a couple of hours before serving and it will hold up well - just make sure that you add the cheese and the condiments at the last minute. It makes a perfect light appetizer or brunch dish or you can serve some bread on the side for a heartier course. Any way you serve it, it will be a big hit - it always gets rave reviews at my place!
Ingredients
8 figs - almost ripe but still firm
12 pieces prosciutto
3 tbsp sugar
1 tub of creamy ricotta
cracked pepper to taste
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Directions
Using a sharp knife cut figs in half. Figs should be just about ripe but not yet soft.
Heat a non stick pan over high heat.
Place sugar in a shallow bowl. Press the figs, cut side down, into the sugar to coat.
Place the figs, cut side down onto the hot pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until sugar is bubbly and darkened. Take care not to burn as this will give the figs a bitter flavour. Once the sugar develops a crust, remove from heat and put aside until you are ready to assemble your dish.
To assemble; take three slices of prosciutto and arrange on a plate. Place 4 pieces of fig on the plate as well. Add two heaping spoonfuls of ricotta cheese.
Drizzle with honey, especially over the cheese, sprinkle with cracked pepper and balsamic vinegar.
Serve!
makes 4 appetizers
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