Randy Chandler
Figs are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. They are commonly used in tarts, pizzas, salads, pasta dishes, and even as a glaze for roasted chicken. When it comes to cheese, figs are a popular pairing, whether they are fresh, dried, in a jam, or braised. The type of cheese that goes well with figs depends on personal preference, but some popular options include blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Bay Blue, as well as softer cheeses like brie, Camembert, and ricotta. Fig jam is also a great addition to a charcuterie board, where it can be paired with a variety of cheeses such as Parmesan, goat cheese, and Manchego.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese types | Blue Cheese, Gorgonzola, Bay Blue, Parmigiano Reggiano, Ricotta, Burrata, Brie, Camembert, Cottage Cheese, Parmesan, Goat Cheese, Stilton, Manchego, Cowgirl Creamery's Mt. Tam Cheese |
| Other ingredients | Honey, Prosciutto, Speck Alto Adige, Toast, Nuts, Olive Oil, Vinegar, Rosemary, Greek Yogurt, Granola |
| Dish ideas | Pizza, Tarts, Salads, Pasta, Toast, Cheesecake, Cookies, Charcuterie Board |
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Fresh cheese and ricotta
Fresh cheese and figs are a wonderful combination. For a simple yet delicious breakfast, try ricotta on toast topped with slices of ripe fig and a drizzle of honey. You can use either sheep's milk ricotta or cow's milk ricotta, depending on your preference. If you want to add some extra texture, you can also sprinkle on some chopped, toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds.
Another option is to create a cheese platter with fresh cheese and figs. This allows you to experiment with different types of fresh cheese and explore various textures and flavours. Soft, creamy cheeses like brie or Camembert pair beautifully with the sweetness of fresh figs. You can also try fresh goat cheese, which has mild, earthy flavours and a buttery smooth texture. Its tanginess can provide an interesting contrast to the sweetness of the figs.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try braising your figs to enhance their flavour. Braised figs with honey and rosemary are a perfect pairing with fresh cheese. The warmth and slight perfume of the honey and rosemary complement the sweetness of the figs, creating a delightful sensory experience.
For a savoury option, consider pairing fresh cheese with figs in a salad. Crumble some fresh cheese over a bed of mixed greens, along with sliced fresh figs and your choice of nuts and dressings. This can make for a refreshing and elegant starter or side dish.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties of fresh cheese and figs. You might discover some surprising and delightful combinations that suit your unique taste preferences.
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Blue cheese
When preparing this dish, it is best to use very ripe figs that are soft rather than firm. Larger figs can hold more cheese, while smaller figs will hold less. A toothpick can be used to hold the figs together while they cook. The figs are cooked in a pan over medium-high heat, turning them as needed until they are lightly browned on all sides.
Gorgonzola, a type of blue cheese from Italy, is a popular choice to pair with figs. It is made from cow's milk that has not been skimmed and has a firm texture that crumbles easily. Its salty flavour pairs well with the sweetness of figs. For those who are hesitant about blue cheese, Bay Blue from Point Reyes is a sweet, mellow, and fudgy option that can be paired with figs.
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Goat's cheese
Goats cheese is a popular choice to pair with figs. Its mild, earthy flavours and buttery smooth texture complement the fruit's sweetness.
A simple way to serve this combination is as a dip. Spread the softened goat's cheese on a plate or in a bowl, and top with fig jam, honey, and fresh thyme leaves. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a savoury note. Serve with crackers or crostini, or crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery.
For a more substantial appetiser, you can make a baked version. Preheat your oven to 200°C or 390°F. Cut off the stems of the figs and make an X cut in the top of each fig, halfway through. Stuff the figs with soft goat cheese and sprinkle with chopped walnuts and sage. Drizzle with honey and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes for an elegant, savoury appetiser.
Goat cheese is a staple food in many cultures, especially in Asia, Greece, and the Middle East. It is also a good option for those who are lactose intolerant, as it is easier to digest than cow's milk.
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Camembert
When paired with figs, Camembert can be used in a variety of ways. One option is to create a baked Camembert dish, where the cheese is scored, seasoned with garlic and honey, wrapped in tin foil, and baked in the oven until it becomes oozy and runny. Fresh figs can then be placed on top of the baked Camembert, creating a delicious appetizer.
Another option is to stuff the figs with pieces of Camembert, drizzle them with honey, top them with nuts or seeds, and bake them until the cheese softens and the figs become warm and juicy. These stuffed figs can be served on their own, with crusty bread, or as a topping for a simple green salad.
When choosing Camembert to pair with figs, consider the versatility of this cheese and how it can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. The baking process can transform the texture of Camembert, making it a delightful companion to the sweetness of figs.
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Braised figs with cheese
Figs are a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savoury dishes. They pair particularly well with cheese, and braised figs with cheese are an excellent way to showcase this combination. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this heavenly dish:
Ingredients:
- Fresh figs
- Honey
- Vinegar
- Olive oil
- Rosemary
- Salt
- Cheese of your choice (suggestions below)
Method:
- Melt honey, vinegar, and olive oil together in a pan over low heat. Add rosemary and let it simmer for a minute.
- Increase the heat slightly to caramelise the syrup.
- Cut the figs in half and place them cut-side down in the rosemary syrup.
- Braise the figs for about 2 minutes or until they start to soften.
- Remove the figs from the pan and sprinkle them lightly with salt.
- Serve with your chosen cheese and drizzle with the leftover syrup from the pan.
Cheese Suggestions:
When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with your braised figs, you have a plethora of options. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Blue cheese is a classic pairing with figs. Gorgonzola, a salty, crumbly Italian cheese, is an excellent choice.
- Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, has mild, earthy flavours and a buttery smooth texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in various dishes.
- Brie, a soft cow's milk cheese from France, is another fantastic option. Its creamy texture and mild flavour complement the sweetness of the figs.
- Camembert, similar to Brie but with more earthy tones, is a versatile French cheese that can add depth to your dish.
- Manchego, a sheep's milk cheese from Spain, offers a tangy flavour and creamy texture that goes well with sweet fruits like figs.
- Fresh cheeses also work wonderfully with figs. Ricotta on toast, topped with slices of ripe fig and a drizzle of honey, is a simple yet delectable combination.
So, feel free to experiment with different cheeses and find your favourite pairing for braised figs. Whether you prefer strong blues, creamy bries, or fresh cheeses, the versatility of figs accommodates them all.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh cheeses like ricotta go well with ripe figs. You can also try blue cheese, gorgonzola, parmesan, camembert, and goat cheese.
Look for figs that are already soft and feel like water balloons. Avoid figs that are hard and chalky.
You can make a cheese and fig appetizer with warm fig sauce and toasted nuts, or braised figs with rosemary and honey. You can also make a fig jam with cheese toast or a cheesecake with fig jam.
You can buy fresh figs at a farmer's market, a specialty grocery store, or even Costco. You can also buy dried figs from most major supermarkets.
