Featured Recipe: Fig and Walnut Tapenade with Goat Cheese

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This recipe for Fig and Walnut Tapenade with Goat Cheese is from Casa Laguna Inn & Spa in Laguna Beach, CA.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Serves: 10

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dried Calimyma figs, chopped and stemmed
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chopped, pitted Kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 tablespoon drained capers, chopped
3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
5.5 oz soft, fresh goat cheese
1/4 can chopped, toasted walnuts
1/8 can toasted walnut halves
fresh thyme sprigs
salt and pepper to taste
assorted breads and/or crackers

Steps:

1. Combine chopped figs and 3 tablespoons water in heavy small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until liquid evaporates and figs are soft, about 7 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl.

2. Mix in olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, capers and chopped thyme. Season tapenade to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate. Can be prepared up to three days ahead.

3. Bring to room temperature before serving.  Stir chopped walnuts into the tapenade; arrange tapenade around goat cheese log in the center of a small serving dish.  Garnish with walnut halves and thyme sprigs if desired.

Serve with breads and/or crackers.

By Emily Starbuck Crone