Emily Richard's Ricotta and Wine Honey Fig Crostini

"Dried Figs have a wonderful, sweet taste that makes ricotta cheese sing when combined. Use your favourite red wine to cook the figs in so you can enjoy a sip or two while they simmer away." - Emily Richards, from Per La Famiglia.

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Ricotta and Wine Honey Fig Crostini

Ingredients...

• 1pkg (200g) dried figs
• 3/4 cup (175ml) dry red wine
• 1 tbsp (15ml) liquid honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 batch crostini (see below)
• 3/4 cup (175ml) ricotta cheese
• salt to taste

Method...

1. Remove tough stem end of fig and cut each fig in half lengthwise.
2. In a saucepan, bring figs, wine, honey and cinnamon stick to boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer; cover and cook for 10 minutes or until figs are very soft and plump. Set aside.
3. Spread Crostini with ricotta cheese. Sprinkle ricotta lightly with salt. top each with 2 fig halves and drizzle with some of the remaining syrup.

Makes about 16 pieces

Crostini

These addictive little crunchy bites are wonderful on their own but our toppings on them and well, it's a wonder you didn't double the recipe!

Ingredients...

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp (2ml) each salt & pepper

Method...

1. Brush baguette slices with oil. Place on large baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in 400F(200F) oven for about 8 minutes or until they light golden and still a bit soft in the centre. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Garlic rubbed Variation: Cut 1 large garlic clove lengthwise and rub garlic over baguette slices while still warm.

Yields about 2 dozen.

Recipe is Reprinted with Permission.

YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE ITEMS TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

• Wusthof Double Serrated Bread Knife
• Backyard Honey
• Sarafino Extra Virgin Olive Oil