Crostini with Gorgonzola, Caramelized Onions, and Fig Jam

By KrissyW330

This recipe brings together big flavors―the tart sweetness of figs, the savory sweetness of onions, and the pungent kick of Gorgonzola cheese―in a balanced way. Try this suggestion from eatwelltx to make assembly easier: "I put the toasted bread with the cheese back in the oven (turned off but still warm) to melt the gorgonzola before adding the fig jam and onions, and this made layering the jam and onions over the cheese much easier. Absolutely delicious."

Ingredients

• Jam:
• 1 cup dried Black Mission figs (about 6 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Dash of salt
• Onions:
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups vertically sliced yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water (optional)
• Remaining ingredients:
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) Gorgonzola cheese, softened
• 24 (1-inch-thick) slices diagonally cut French bread baguette, toasted (about 12 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Details

Servings 12

Preparation

Step 1

To prepare jam, remove stems from figs. Place figs and juice in a food processor; process until figs are coarsely chopped. Place fig mixture, 2 cups water, syrup, and dash of salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until thick. Cool completely.

To prepare onions, heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add onion, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and cook 20 minutes or until onion is deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. While onion cooks, add 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup at a time, to keep onion from sticking to pan.

Spread 1 teaspoon cheese over each baguette slice. Top each slice with about 1 teaspoon onion mixture and 1 teaspoon jam. Sprinkle evenly with thyme leaves.