Tag Archives: appetizers

Farewell to Summer Fig + Feta Salad

Posted on September 26, 2013 | 2 comments

With the fall equinox, the season finally seems to be turning in Southern California. It seems as though the rest of the country has moved past apples and onto pumpkin, but we are still picking tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. (Complaining of SoCal problems sounds like humble bragging.) I’m sharing my favorite fig and feta salad as a farewell to summer. Our tree’s fruit are in their last stages and our mint barely survived the last heat wave. I had wanted to first post my feta recipe, but at this stage of my pregnancy, I don’t have the time or focus for a long cheesemaking post, like this one on chèvre.

fig + feta salad with mint and balsamic

Little Bird thoroughly enjoyed figs straight from the tree this summer. There is something lovely about eating them slightly warm from the sun. Here she is showing one of her best buddies where to find the ripe ones:

Picking Figs

As I wrote the recipe (below), I felt a little silly typing out the ingredient list. With only the four ingredients in the title, it seemed a little pointless. This combination is so flavorful and balanced, it doesn’t even need salt and pepper!

fig + feta salad with mint and balsamic

Fig and Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Vinegar

  • Figs
  • Feta
  • Mint
  • Balsamic Vinegar

Gently rinse figs. Cut off stems and then cut in half. Arrange in a shallow bowl or plate. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped, fresh mint. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or a balsamic reduction. Gently mix and serve.

fig + feta salad with mint and balsamic

 

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Posted in Food, Healthy Recipes, Home Dairy, Recipes for the Whole Family, Recipes from the Garden, Recipes to Make with the Kids, Seasonal Recipes, Urban Agriculture, Urban Homesteading

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Burrata, Pluot and Mint Appetizer

Posted on July 17, 2013 | 1 comment

We have been celebrating the beginning of tomato season with plenty of caprese salads made with fresh mozzarella and basil. On a whim, I upgraded to an awesome burrata cheese last weekend. Burrata is similar to fresh mozzarella, but extra soft with a creamy center. The cheesemonger recommended pairing it with a firmer fleshed heirloom tomato to have more contrast in texture. Our mint is growing crazy, so I wanted to try something a little new and combined the burrata with mint and some of the amazing summer fruit that is so good right now. I used pluots, but any stone fruit would be good. We all loved this refreshing and creamy treat, and may not go back to traditional capreses! (This would probably be good with grilled peaches or apricots, too.)

burrata appetizer with pluots and mint

Burrata, Pluot and Mint Appetizer Recipe

  • 1 fresh Burrata or (fresh mozzarella)
  • 2 ripe but firm pluots or other stone fruit
  • 1/2 handful of fresh mint
  • good olive oil
  • good balsamic vinegar (I used a pomegranate infused balsamic)
  • salt and pepper

For easier cutting, keep burrata in the refrigerator until the last minute and use a sharp knife. Slice the pluots into thick slices and layer on a serving dish with the burrata. Sprinkle the fresh mint and salt and pepper over the cheese and fruit. Drizzle with oil and vinegar and serve with good bread.


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Posted in Entertaining, Food, Healthy Recipes, Recipes from the Garden, Seasonal Recipes

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