Tuscan Herb Toasts with Chèvre, Arugula and a Fig Balsamic Reduction
This is a delicious appetizer you can make any time of year, using either fresh or dried figs. You can also swap out the Tuscan herb olive oil for our garlic olive oil!
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, we recommend using crème fraîche.
Tuscan Herb Toasts with Chèvre, Arugula and a Fig Balsamic Reduction
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, we recommend a crème fraîche or just cream cheese. Either way, your taste buds will dance with delight at the combination of these simple ingredients. The arugula gives the bite a peppery punch that is lovely paired with our Tuscan herb olive oil and the sweetness of the fig balsamic reduction. Serves 4 as an hors d’oeuvres.
Ingredients
What you need:
- 1/4 cup Sigona’s Black Mission fig balsamic divided
- 8 to 12 slices of a sweet baguette about 1/4-inch thick
- Sigona’s Tuscan herb olive oil for brushing (Mix it up! Try Sigona's garlic olive oil!)
- Arugula 2 to 3 leaves per toast
- Spreadable goat cheese known as chèvre, or an alternative spreadable cheese, such as crème fraîche or cream cheese
- Fresh or dried black mission figs quartered
Instructions
- Add the balsamic to a small sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce to low and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The reduction is done when it is reduced by nearly half and nicely coats the back of a spoon. Note: The balsamic will continue to thicken and reduce when removed from heat. A good consistency will resemble thick chocolate syrup. Set aside to cool.
- Heat an indoor grill pan or griddle over high heat.
- Brush both sides of the slices with Tuscan herb oil and grill for about 1 minute per side, turning once, so the outside is just crisp-brown. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Place 2 or 3 leaves of arugula on top of each toast. Gently spread a generous teaspoon or more, to taste, of the cheese on the arugula and place a piece of the cut fig on top.
- Arrange the toasts on a serving dish. Use a spoon to drizzle some of the fig balsamic reduction on top of each toast. Serve.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
