I once was talking to a woman, giving her some meal ideas and cooking tips. She was really excited and seemed pretty inspired when we were done chatting. At the end of the conversation she asked me what I normally have for dinner each night. I replied, "Toast". She looked so deflated when I told her that. I think she pictured me having these big meals each evening. In reality, it's just me and the pup. I am pretty selfish with my time when I get home from work and usually after I am done running I don't want much more to eat then a little toast and jam with some yogurt or a couple slices of cheese, salami, and some fruit. Heck, even a bowl of cereal tastes pretty good me on a Tuesday night and is a common dinner for me.
One of my favorite treats, whether I am just spreading it on bread and cheese or using it to help cook a meal is Dalmatia Fig Spread. This stuff is HEAVENLY. There is a reason why they refer to figs as the fruit of the gods. Dalmatia is in Croatia where they grow and dry the figs. They then put those figs into this fantastic spread. At New Season's they will actually sell it by the pound for you, although the jars are not too pricey and only run about $7.00 bucks. You can also get the spread at Whole Foods and online.
This stuff is amazing. It's very sweet, so a little a goes a long way. I have used it to spread on pannis with arugula, rare roast beef, and a little creamy horseradish mayo. I have glazed pork tenderloins with it and I use it in salad dressings. My favorite and most common way to consume this heavenly figgy spread is just on some tangy cheese. It goes great with goat cheese. I used it today on a bit of Spanish Miticrema, which is a spreadable sheep's cheese. Yum!
I included an easy dressing recipe for you, using the spread. I love to pour this on spinach, red onions, strawberries, goat cheese and pecans.
Dalmatia Fig Spread Dressing
1 Tbsp fig spread
1 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice
little lemon zest
1 tsp of finely minced shallot
1/4 cup of oil (olive or canola)
Salt and Pepper to taste
