Whipped Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini

Ingredients

• small baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds (about 20 slices)
• tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing
• oz soft goat cheese, at room temperature
• oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• tablespoon honey, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• dried black mission figs, finely diced
• tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• tablespoon balsamic glaze (or reduction)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast for 8 minutes
2. minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
3. While the bread toasts, prepare the fig topping. In a small saucepan, combine the diced figs and 1 tablespoon of water. Simmer over low heat for 3 minutes
4. minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs are softened and the mixture is jam
5. like. Set aside to cool.
6. In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of honey, and black pepper. Use a fork or hand mixer to whip the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
7. To assemble, spread a generous layer of the whipped goat cheese mixture onto each toasted crostini. Top with a small spoonful of the caramelized fig mixture and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
8. Finish each crostini with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze and a tiny drop of honey for a final touch of sweetness and shine. Serve immediately.