Fig Spread:
2 cups dried figs, stems removed and halved
3/4 cups balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Sandwich Build:
4 squares focaccia bread
8 ounces Italian sharp cheese, such as Fontinella, or asiago, sliced
1 pound mortadella, thinly sliced
Olive oil, for brushing
For the fig spread: Bring the figs, 1 cup water, balsamic and sugar to a simmer in a small pot. Simmer until the figs rehydrate and the liquid reduces and thickens, about 15 minutes. Let cool. Once cool, place in a food processor and puree until smooth, 20 to 30 seconds.
For the sandwich build: Preheat a griddle over medium-low heat or heat a panini press. Slice 1 focaccia square in half. Place a thin layer of the fig spread on the inside of both halves. Place a couple slices of cheese on the bottom, and then place 4 ounces mortadella on top. Close and lightly brush the bread with olive oil. Griddle the sandwich until golden and warm, about 4 minutes a side. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Grab daintily with one hand and bite like a maniac.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: --
Ease of preparation: easy
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Courtesy: The Next Food Network Star
2 cups dried figs, stems removed and halved
3/4 cups balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Sandwich Build:
4 squares focaccia bread
8 ounces Italian sharp cheese, such as Fontinella, or asiago, sliced
1 pound mortadella, thinly sliced
Olive oil, for brushing
For the fig spread: Bring the figs, 1 cup water, balsamic and sugar to a simmer in a small pot. Simmer until the figs rehydrate and the liquid reduces and thickens, about 15 minutes. Let cool. Once cool, place in a food processor and puree until smooth, 20 to 30 seconds.
For the sandwich build: Preheat a griddle over medium-low heat or heat a panini press. Slice 1 focaccia square in half. Place a thin layer of the fig spread on the inside of both halves. Place a couple slices of cheese on the bottom, and then place 4 ounces mortadella on top. Close and lightly brush the bread with olive oil. Griddle the sandwich until golden and warm, about 4 minutes a side. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Grab daintily with one hand and bite like a maniac.
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: --
Ease of preparation: easy
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Courtesy: The Next Food Network Star
