Serrano Ham Wrapped Figs Stuffed with Valdeón Blue Cheese Recipe

Receta de Higos Rellenos de Queso Valdeón y Envueltos en Jamón Serrano

50 Minutes

4 servings

Ingredients

12 ripe fresh figs (preferably green ones) or 24 Medjool dates, split and pits removed
12 Jamón Serrano slices
3 oz Valdeón blue cheese
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup sherry wine vinegar
1/3 cup granulated sugar

Nutritional Facts

Calories 589
Total Fat 27.1 gr (35%)
Saturated Fat 10.3 gr (52%)
Cholesterol 68 mg (23%)
Sodium 2237 mg (97%)
Total Carbohydrates 53.6 gr (19%)
Fiber 5.6 gr (20%)
Sugars 44.1 gr
Protein 34.9 gr
Vitamin D 0%
Calcium 16%
Iron 10%
Potassium 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on 2000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

Fresh fig season is a fleeting treasure. Make the most of it when they are around with this tapa which is so easy to prepare, yet so elegant. The marriage of flavors between the slightly salty Jamón Serrano, the sweet figs and the savory Valdeón blue cheese is a match made in heaven. If fresh figs aren’t in season, Medjool dates can be substituted. A very tasty alternative!

Steps

Place sugar and sherry vinegar in a very small sauce pot over medium heat. Simmer until sugar is dissolved and mixture is reduced by half and syrupy, about 15 minutes or so. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Note: You will only be using a small amount of this reduction for this dish. Store the excess in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for another use. It keeps indefinitely. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut blue cheese into 12 rectangles, 1-inch long by ½-inch square. Using a small, sharp knife, cut an X into the stem end (pointed end) of the fig going about halfway down the fig. Gently use your finger or the end of a wooden spoon to make a hole in the fig big enough to hold a cheese rectangle. Insert one rectangle of cheese into each fig and wrap a piece of Serrano ham (fatty side up) securely around the fig, leaving top 1/4 of the fig exposed. Secure ham with a toothpick if needed. If using dates, cut each piece of cheese and jamón in half. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and arrange the figs on it, leaving some space between them. Roast the stuffed figs for 15-18 minutes until the ham is crisp and cheese is melted. Transfer roasted figs to a serving platter, drizzle with olive oil and accent with drops of the sherry vinegar reduction. Serve immediately .