Figs With Fennel, Goat Cheese And Green Peppercorn Vinaigrette

Serves: 5

Mckayla Mann

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

55

Spice

41

Sweetness

46

Sourness

34

mins

Prep time (avg)

4

Difficulty

Ingredients:

1

Salt

Directions:

1

Use a melon baller or small spoon to hollow out the fig

2

Cut stem end off figs about 1/2-inch down

3

Chop and reserve the insides of the figs

4

Set the figs aside

5

The stem pieces may be saved as "hats" for the presentation

6

Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan

7

When the oil is hot but not smoking add the fennel

8

Toss or stir the fennel until golden

9

Season with salt and a touch of black pepper

10

Remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon zest, reserved fig insides and tarragon

11

Finish with the extra virgin olive oil, adding just enough to have the filling bind together

12

Remove the filling from the pan and let cool

13

Rinse, then finely chop the green peppercorns

14

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and shallots

15

Season with salt after adding the peppercorns, as they can be salty

16

The vinaigrette can be made a day in advance and held refrigerated

17

Let the vinaigrette sit for about a half hour at room temperature before serving if you have refrigerated it

18

Just before serving, fill each fig with cooled fennel mixture

19

Cover with reserved stem pieces if you wish

20

Place 2 figs on a plate along with a wedge of the cheese

21

Drizzle the figs with the vinaigrette

22

Some suggested garnishes are fresh grape leaves, the fine inner leaves of the fennel bulb, or chervil plunches