Fresh Fig Toasts

Certain flavors have a natural affinity for one another. Fresh figs are one of those great, unusual fruits that pair nicely with all sorts of sweet, savory, spicy, and salty ingredients to become something completely other than what they start out being. If you haven't experimented with fresh figs before, here are some ideas to get you started.

I made a very simple version for my lunch today, but you can have all sorts of variations on the theme. You could add or subtract as you see fit - a pile of arugula on top would be fantastic, as would some folded up slices of prosciutto.

You could toast it all together so that the figs get warm too, or you could put the toppings on flatbread instead of challah and make a mini pizza. You could put it on puff pastry rounds and serve it as a tray passed appetizer. You could do away with the bread and put the toppings on a bed of greens for an elegant salad. The options are endless.

Fresh figs are in season now, and you can accessorize them as you see fit. Serve any time of day - as breakfast, lunch, at happy hour, or as dessert. It's flexible!

Fresh Fig Toasts
serves one (multiply as you see fit)

INGREDIENTS:

1 thick slice of challah, lightly toasted
3 black mission figs, cut in half
pinch of freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons goat cheese crumbles
2 teaspoons honey

DIRECTIONS:

1. Assemble: top the toast with the figs, cut side up. Sprinkle with pepper, followed by goat cheese crumbles. Drizzle with honey. Serve.

Enjoy!