The richly delicious spread on this Crostini with Fig & Walnut Tapenade is the epitome of sweet and salty. Creamy goat cheese takes it up a notch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped stemmed dried Calimyrna figs
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup chopped pitted Kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon drained capers, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 5.5-ounce logs soft fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet), each cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 1/4 cup toasted walnut halves
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
- Assorted breads and/or crackers
Instructions
- Combine chopped figs and 1/3 cup water in heavy medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until liquid evaporates and figs are soft, about 7 minutes.
- Transfer to medium bowl. Mix in olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, capers, and chopped thyme. Season tapenade to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
- Arrange overlapping cheese rounds in circle in center of medium platter. Stir chopped walnuts into tapenade; spoon into center of cheese circle. Garnish with walnut halves and thyme sprigs, if desired. Serve with breads and/or crackers.
