Gorgonzola Cheese Fig And Pecan Cracker Spread Recipes

GORGONZOLA, FIG AND PECAN CHEESE TERRINE

Steps:

• Put the 1/2 cup quartered figs into a small saucepan along with the red wine and thyme. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Drain the figs, discard the thyme and wine and set the figs aside to cool.
• Put the cream cheese and butter into the bowl of a standing mixer and, using the paddle attachment, cream the mixture on medium until well blended, about 1 minute. Add the Gorgonzola, brandy and salt and beat 1 more minute. Take care not to overbeat or it won't set properly.
• Spray a 1 quart loaf pan with cooking spray and line the inside with plastic wrap. Spoon half of the cheese mixture into the pan and spread it evenly, making sure to get into the corners. Scatter the figs, pecans and chopped parsley on top evenly and cover with the remaining cheese. Give the pan a few sharp raps on a flat surface to settle the terrine, cover the top with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
• To remove the terrine from the pan, turn upside down on a flat surface and pull 1 end of the plastic wrap down. The terrine will slip out of the pan onto the top piece of plastic wrap. Slice and fan out on a platter garnished with greens. Garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of figs, pecans and thyme. Serve with crackers.

GORGONZOLA CHEESE, FIG AND PECAN CRACKER SPREAD

Steps:

• Put the figs in a saucepan with red wine and thyme. Simmer 15 minutes, drain, and discard thyme and wine. Let figs cool while preparing cheese.
• Mix cream cheese and butter with electric mixer, until well blended, 1 minute. Add gorgonzola, brandy, and salt. Beat one more minute. Do not over-beat or the cheese will not set properly.
• Spray a bread pan with cooking spray. Line inside of pan with plastic wrap. Spoon half of the cheese mixture into the pan, spread it flat and make sure it gets into the corners. Sprinkle with figs, pecans, and parsley. Cover with remaining cheese. Bang the pan on the counter a few times to settle everything into place. Cover the top with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• When ready to serve, remove from pan and place on a platter being sure to remove plastic wrap. Decorate with additional Figs, Thyme, Pecans, and/or Parsley.
• Serve with your favorite crackers (we like the Whole Wheat Ritz Crackers).

GORGONZOLA CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• In a processor bowl, finely chop walnuts.
• Set aside.
• With processor running, add shallot and chop finely.
• Add cheeses and process until crumbly.
• Add remaining ingredients, including walnuts.
• Process until creamy.

FIG SPREAD

Steps:

• In a med saucepan, combine figs with sugar and 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until most of the liquid has evaporated and figs are easily pierced with the tip of a sharp paring knife, about 20 minutes.
• Transfer mixture to a food processor; add lemon juice.
• Puree until smooth (add up to 1/4 cup additional water, if needed, to thin to desired consistency).
• Store in refrigerator for up to 1 month.

CROSTINI WITH GORGONZOLA AND FIGS

Steps:

• Preheat broiler. Arrange baguette slices on baking sheet. Broil until lightly toasted on 1 side.
• Mash crumbled Gorgonzola and 1 tablespoon butter in small bowl until smooth. Spread Gorgonzola mixture evenly over untoasted side of baguette slices. Top with figs. Drizzle oil over figs. Broil until Gorgonzola mixture bubbles around edges, about 3 minutes. Transfer crostini to platter and serve.