ROASTED FIGS WITH HONEY and ROSEMARY

Roasted Figs with Honey and Rosemary

Serves 4 as an appetizer.

1 pint fresh figs

1/3 cup honey

4 large sprigs fresh rosemary

Fresh cracked black pepper

Heat the oven to 375ºF. Wash and stem the figs. Slice in half and arrange cut side up in a baking dish. Drizzle the honey over top and cut the sprigs in half and tuck between the figs. Grind fresh pepper over everything.

Roast for about 15 minutes, or until the honey is just being to get dark and caramelized. The figs should not be too soft – you need to be able to pick them up with your fingers.

Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Arrange on a plate with soft cheese (mild chévre and St. Andre both work well) and crackers. Drizzle the juices and honey left in the baking dish over the figs and cheese. Make open-faced sandwiches on the crackers with cheese, then a fig.