Name: Fig Jam and Brie Crostini Appetizer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 36
Ingredients: 1 full size baguette, sliced into 1/4 inch slices; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 wheel, about 15 oz brie cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch slices; 1 jar, about 8 oz fig preserves; 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Great appetizers do not have to be complicated and this Fig Jam and Brie Crostini Appetizer is the perfect example. Perfect for small or large gatherings, it’s quick and easy and absolutely delicious.

This is the first of many appetizers I plan to be making the next couple of months; I hope you love them as much as I do. And you would never know I love them as few as I’ve included in this blog!

I’m not sure why; maybe because I really do make them for parties and often there is simply no way I can add photography to the list of things to get done when I’m having a party. So I’m going to make an effort to share some old favorites and make some new as we head into the season of get togethers.

My neighbors were the beneficiaries last night; I’m sure they won’t mind if I make more than one person can eat; I put out the word and three people showed up with plates in hand…win win I say; the next day they just are not the same!

I’ll be honest I had to really take a leap of faith one day as a grownup to even try fig jam. I was not the most picky eater as a kid; I hated green peppers, liver (WHY?) and…Fig Newtons. When I would see them brought to the table as the dessert offering I wanted to cry.

I had a terrible sweet tooth and I LOVED dessert but I just despised those cookies. I felt like my mother must hate me to serve them for a quick dessert. So it took me awhile.

I’m over it; I’ll probably never like Fig Newtons but I sure love all things fig and this month fig is the theme of our Progressive Eats group. I actually had BIG plans. I’m not sure what they were, but I searched for and found a package of figs. Pretty pricey little puppies here at the base of the Rocky Mountains but I splurged.

The next day I opened the package and doggone it…moldy. Ugh. So I decided to punt and without fresh figs on hand after all moved next to the jar of fig jam I had been given as a gift.

This time I had everything on hand and it really was so simple. The bread is cut and dabbed with some olive oil and baked and then slices of Brie are next topped with a small spoonful of fig jam and toasted, sliced almonds. See, I said it was easy. And everyone loved them. Isn’t that the perfect combination?

So give these a try; they are a great appetizer for a family get together or a holiday party; the perfect blend of sweet and savory and oh so easy. That’s the part I think I love the best. Also, be sure to check out all of the delicious recipes for our Fig Fête from my talented friends that are listed below; from Cocktails to Desserts, we’ve got you covered.

Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. Each recipe in our Fig Fête menu this month features figs and our host this month is Coleen who blogs at The Redhead Baker.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats it’s a virtual party. A theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. Come along and see all of the delicious dishes featuring figs!

Cocktails

Honey Fig Whiskey Sour from The Redhead Baker

Appetizers

Fig, Prosciutto, Goat Cheese Pizza from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Fig Jam and Brie Crostini Appetizer from Creative Culinary (You’re Here!)
Fig & Salami Bruschetta from The Food Hunter’s Guide to Cuisine

Bread

Fig and Fennel Sourdough from Karen’s Kitchen Stories

Side Dishes

Fig and Cranberry Rice Pilaf from The Heritage Cook

Desserts

Fig and Ginger Upside Down Cake from Mother Would Know

PIN IT! ‘Fig Jam and Brie Crostini Appetizer’

Yield: 36 Appetizers