Warm figs and cheese in crisp ham
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Trim off the fig stems. Using a small sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the top of each fig into quarters, stopping before the fig comes apart at the bottom. Gently pry open the fig, like opening the petals on a tulip, to make a little cup.
- Tuck a scant teaspoon of cheese inside of each fig. Wrap the fig in a slice of ham and press lightly to make it adhere. Stand the figs upright on a baking sheet. (If the figs refuse to stand up, set them in a mini muffin tin.)
- Roast the figs until the ham becomes crisp around the edges, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the figs to serving plates, drizzle with the honey, and sprinkle with the pepper. Serve warm.
- Variation: You can wrap wedges of peeled peaches, pears, or Fuyu persimmons in the ham and serve the cheese on the side. Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or Brie.