Fig, Thyme and Goat Cheese Pecan Bites

This is a super easy appetizer recipe that can be modified to match the ingredients you have on hand. Below I included a table with substitutions, alternatives, modifications – you name it. The ideas of savory, sweet, crunch and herb can be repeated in many ways. I made these recently for a dinner party with items I just had on hand and an almond/apricot/basil version for a baby shower. Make a lot or just a few but be sure to taste a prototype to ensure that you like the flavors all stacked up.

Ingredients	This Version	Awesome Substitutions and Ideas
	Dried whole figs	Fresh Figs Dried apricots Grapes Apples Pears Jams (could then omit honey)
	Pecan halves	Whole almonds Walnuts Crackers or baguette
	Plain goat cheese	Flavored goat cheese Brie Bleu cheese White cheddar Cream cheese
	Thyme	Rosemary Sage Basil Citrus zest Omit
	Honey Reduced Balsamic Vinegar	Jam or Jelly Omit, or use one or the other

Instructions

• Take the whole fig and cut in half lengthwise (top to bottom
• Open and flatten the fig half to form the base of the “bite”, skin will be down and inside fruit and seeds showing on top
• Spread cheese on top of fig
• Put a dot or dollop of reduced balsamic (not too much, just for a flavor tang) on the cheese and then push in a pecan half. You can roast the nuts beforehand for an even deeper nut flavor (or buy them roasted J)
• Drizzle just a tiny bit of honey on top and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves

Key points: you are making one bite at a time so apply the flavors sparingly. There is a lot of flavor in each of these, so the goal is to balance with fig and cheese as the highlights.