Growing up in NY, then later on in FL, my family always had several fig trees in both my parent’s and my grandparent’s yards. Lots of fig trees, lots of figs. This is the time of year where we would stand under our fig trees and just pull off basketfulls of plump fresh figs off branches, sampling a few along the way of course. It was ridiculous how many we would have in such a short period of time, and the only way I really remember eating them was straight up, sometimes washed and slightly peeled.

https://instagram.com/p/wg724Slg-a/

As an adult, in my 3rd home since I grew up and moved out of my parent’s home, I finally have a fig tree in my own yard. My grandfather came over last December and put it in the ground for me and routinely checks on it when he visits or calls, making sure that I’m keeping it watered. My grandpa has the greenest thumb I know and I wish I could say my thumb was as green as his – it’s not, but I do try.

(more…)

The post Fresh Fig Greek Yogurt Smoothie appeared first on Aggie's Kitchen.

(This giveaway is now closed.)

I grew up eating figs.  My grandfather has always had fig trees in his yard, and I’m not talking just 1 or 2 either.  At his last house, I may or may not have counted at least 5 fig trees in his little backyard.  I guess you can say, we liked our figs…must be an Italian thing.  And I have to tell you if you like figs, there is nothing like eating a fresh picked fig right off the tree in your own yard.

I’m a big fan of dried figs too.  I love snacking them all on their own, but this little concoction is a nice little treat…especially if you are having some guests over or are headed to a party.  They are super quick to put together and look nice on a plate.  What’s also great about this little appetizer is that its different…with each bite you get sweetness from the fig and balsamic, salty from the cheese and a nice crunch from the pecan.  Good stuff.

Cheese Stuffed Figs with Toasted Pecans and Balsamic Drizzle

Ingredients:

• 24 dried figs
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup fresh grated asiago cheese
• pinch fresh ground pepper
• 24 toasted pecans
• Balsamic Glaze

Directions:

1. In small bowl combine combine gorgonzola, asiago and fresh ground pepper. Using a small knife, make slit into side of dried figs (do not cut all the way through, but almost the entire length of fig). Using your hands, stuff fig with about 1/2 teaspoon of cheese mixture (more or less depending on size of fig). Top with toasted pecan and press down. Line up on plate and drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.

A few facts about figs:

• The fig tree is the symbol of abundance, fertility, and sweetness.
• Figs provide more fiber than any other common fruit or vegetable.
• Although considered a fruit, the fig is actually a flower that is inverted into itself.
• Figs contain natural humectants – properties that extend freshness and moistness in baked products.
• Figs are fat-, sodium- and cholesterol-free.

Giveaway:

Last week, The California Fig Advisory Board sent me a very generous shipment of a variety of dried figs along with a nice tote bag, t-shirt and lots of  recipes.  They also want to share a box of goodies with one of YOU.  In order to enter the giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment on this post sharing your favorite way to eat figs, dried or fresh.  Giveaway will end Tuesday, November 30 at 12 am eastern standard time. I will choose a winner using a random number generator and will announce the winner on Wednesday December 1.  Sorry, but this giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Bonus Entries can be earned by:

1. Become a fan of Aggie’s Kitchen on Facebook.  “Like” Aggie’s Kitchen then come back to this page and leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

2. Follow @AggiesKitchen on Twitter, then come back to this page and leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

3.  Become a fan of The California Fig Advisory Board on Facebook.  “Like” them and then come back and leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

Good luck!

The post Cheese Stuffed Figs with Toasted Pecans and Balsamic Drizzle appeared first on Aggie's Kitchen.