Fig & Olive Tapenade

Fig & Olive Tapenade
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Ingredients
  • 1 c. dried figs, chopped
  • ½ c. water
  • ⅔ c. Kalamata olives, chopped
  • ⅓ c. toasted walnuts, chopped
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine figs & water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil & cook until tender, and liquid has reduced.
  2. Remove from heat & stir in the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme, & cayenne.
  3. Add olives & garlic, & mix well. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  4. Cover & refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend.
  5. Unwrap cream cheese block & place on a serving platter. Spoon tapenade over cheese, & sprinkle with walnuts. Serve with slices of French bread or crackers.

Photo Courtesy of Meal Makeover Moms on Flickr

Pork with Sweet Onion Marmellata

Submitted by Americo
Serves 4-6

Ingredients

1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground 4-6 pork chops
¼ c. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Onion Marmellata

¼ c. olive oil 4 large onions, thinly sliced (~3 lbs.)
¼ c. orange marmalade 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped 1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp sugar (to taste)

Directions

  1. For the onion marmellata, place a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat.  Add the olive oil & the onions.  Stir to combine & cook until starting to sizzle, about 2 minutes.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Reduce the heat to low.  Cover the pot & cook over low heat for 2 hours, stirring ever 30 minutes to scrape up any brown bits.  The onions should be a soft, jam-like consistency & a deep mahogany color.
  2. Meanwhile, for the pork chops, combine the rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, & pepper in a small bowl.  Using your fingers, work all the ingredients together until well combined.  Rub the herb mixture over the pork chops.  Cover with plastic wrap & reserve in the refrigerator.
  3. About 20 minutes before the onions are finished, remove the pork chops from the refrigerator.  Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.  Grill the pork chops to medium, about 7 minutes a side depending on thickness.  To serve, spoon the onion marmellata over the pork chops. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley.  Serve immediately.

Raw Vegetable Curry Dip

Submitted by Happy13

Ingredients

1 c. mayonnaise 2 tbsp curry powder
1 tbsp grated onion 2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1-2 tbsp vinegar (balsamic, apple cider, or rice)

Directions

  1. 5.19.07 Baby Shower Veggie Platter by Nodame on FlickrMix together until smooth & sugar is dissolved.
  2. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. 
  3. Serve with a raw veggie platter.

Balsamic Dressing

Submitted by Ruth

Ingredients

½ c. high-quality light olive oil ½ c. high-quality balsamic vinegar
1 tsp seeded mustard 1 tsp honey

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients in a sealed jar & shake until combined. 
  2. For a bit of a kick you can add a small amount of dried chili or paprika.

Balsamic-Glazed Salmon

Submitted by randilicious
Serves 6

Ingredients

6 (5 oz.) salmon fillets 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp white wine 1 tsp honey
1/3 c. balsamic vinegar 4 tsp Dijon mustard
salt & pepper to taste oregano to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, & spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Coat a small saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Over medium heat, cook & stir garlic until soft, about 3 minutes. Mix in white wine, honey, balsamic vinegar, mustard, & salt & pepper. Simmer, uncovered, for about 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  3. Arrange salmon fillets on foil lined baking sheet. Brush fillets with balsamic glaze, & sprinkle with oregano.
  4. Bake in preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, or until flesh flakes easily with a fork. Brush fillets with remaining glaze, & season with salt & pepper. Use a spatula to transfer fillets to serving platter, leaving the skin behind on the foil.
  5. Serve one fillet on a bed of steamed rice with some lightly sautéed vegetables (good with asparagus & green beans) on the side.