Fig and Ricotta Crostini

Just before being served at book club. The photos without the balsamic drizzle looked slightly better, but the balsamic really makes it!

I love figs, but I honestly never tried a fresh fig until I moved to California. As a kid, I ate a lot of Fig Newtons, but I don’t think I had any clue what a real fig fruit actually looked like! A few years ago, I remember going into work one day and a co-worker had brought in a bowl of fresh figs from his fig tree, and I was obsessed. They are great to just snack on, but they are also amazing when paired with tangy and acidic flavors. Try making fig and goat cheese bites, add them to a salad with toasted nuts, or enjoy them over some greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and sea salt for a satisfying dessert! 

Here is a super simple fig recipe that is a real crowd pleaser when served as an appetizer at a dinner party. It’s bursting with flavor, yet it couldn’t be easier to prepare! 

Ingredients

(serves 8)

• 8 slices whole grain fresh bread, about ½-in. thick, grilled or toasted

• 8 large ripe figs, thinly sliced

• ½ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

• 3 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar

• 3 tbsp good quality olive oil

• Flaky sea salt, like Maldon

Directions

With the delicious balsamic drizzle :)

• Grill or toast the bread slices

• Once cooled, drizzle each slice with olive oil

• Spread about 1 tbsp ricotta cheese on each slice

• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top

• Top with fig slices

• Drizzle with balsamic vinegar

Note: The amount of cheese, olive oil, balsamic, and figs that you top your toast with depends on the size of your bread and how topping-heavy you want to go! Enjoy :)

Health Benefits of Figs:

• They are an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps relieve constipation

• Figs are rich in antioxidants, which helps combat oxidative stress and slow down the aging process

• Figs help boost the immune system with their natural antibacterial and antifungal properties

• They are high in potassium, which helps with overall heart health and managing blood pressure

• Since they are quite sweet, with high levels of natural sugar, they are best enjoyed in moderation
  

Sources and Additional Reading:

• https://draxe.com/nutrition/fruit/figs-nutrition/

• https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-figs-anjeer/

• https://nutritiontribune.com/health-benefits-of-figs/

Peach Salsa

This salsa is so dreamy. The sweetness from the peach, the tang from the lime, and the crunch from the red pepper makes this combination so incredible and fresh. I love making a big batch and serving it with tortilla chips as an appetizer or spooning it over grilled meats (like chicken or pork tenderloin) for added flavor and brightness.

Ingredients: (serves 4)

• 3 ripe peaches, skin removed and diced

• 1 lime, juiced

• ½ red pepper, diced

• ¼ red onion, diced

• 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well.

• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

• For some kick, add jalapeno or red pepper flakes

Health Benefits of Peaches:

• Peaches are a great source of Vitamin C and Zinc, which are both antioxidants that help prevent infection and support optimal functioning of the immune system

• They are high in potassium, which helps the body perform nerve signaling, maintains healthy metabolic functioning, regulaties muscular tissue, and maintains electrolyte balance.

• Peaches are high in Caffeic acid, a powerful antioxidant, which can inhibit a type of tumor that grows in fibrous connective tissue. They have also been found to stunt cancer growth in the colon.

• They are great for skin health; the antioxidants and vitamins in peaches have been shown to hydrate and revitalize the skin.

Sources and additional reading:

• https://www.spinemd.com/news-philanthropy/take-a-bite-out-of-these-5-health-benefits-of-peaches

• https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-health-benefits-peach/

• https://draxe.com/peach-nutrition/

• https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-peach.html

Smoky Eggplant Dip

I love making veggie-centric dips. They are always a crowd pleaser, but they also provide us with a nutrient-dense, yet delicious snacking option. Plus, they are so quick and easy to make! This one is a bit more time consuming, but once the eggplant is prepared, you throw everything into a blender or food processor and it’s ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants

• 5 tbsp tahini

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped

• Juice from 1 lemon

• ¼ tsp cumin

• 1 tsp salt

Directions:

• Char eggplants. First, poke holes in the eggplant (with a fork). Then you can either broil (for about 10-12 minutes, flipping at the halfway point) or place directly over a gas flame, turning every so often as to char the skin of the eggplant.

• Turn oven to 375 degrees.

• Allow eggplants to cool. Then chop off stems and slice in half lengthwise. Roast on a baking sheet, flesh side down, for 25-30 minutes, or until flesh in very tender and soft

• Remove outer skin from eggplants. Place eggplant flesh, and the remaining ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth.

• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

• Garnish with olive oil, sea salt, and toasted pine nuts.

Carrot Dip with Harissa and Cumin

This dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser served as an appetizer. The rich, spice-driven flavors from the harissa and cumin mixed with the natural sweetness from the carrots is the perfect combination. Top it off with some fresh herbs, high quality olive oil, sesame seeds, and flaky sea salt to really wow your taste buds (and your guests).

Health Benefits:

• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which our bodies convert to vitamin A, which is important for eye health and our immune systems

• They are rich in antioxidants, which is helpful in reducing effects of early aging and in cancer prevention

• Eating carrots can reduce cholesterol levels and the risk for coronary heart disease

• They are high in fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion

Ingredients:

• 6 medium/large carrots

• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for finishing)

• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp harissa

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

• Bring water (make sure it's salted) to a boil

• Meanwhile, peel carrots and chop off the ends

• When water is boiling, add carrots to pot, and boil for 10 minutes or until carrots are soft when poked with a fork

• Transfer to a food processor and blend with olive oil, harissa, cumin, salt, and pepper

• Scoop into a bowl - let cool - then top with freshly cut parsley (or cilantro), sesame seeds, flaky sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil

Roasted Beet Dip

This is the perfect starter if you serve appetizers before your Thanksgiving meal, but it’s really great anytime of year as an alternative to hummus for dipping and snacking. This has been a MAJOR crowd pleaser at the past couple of dinner parties I’ve had, and for that reason, I’m posting the recipe here for you all to enjoy! Roasting the beets before blending them adds a rich, sweet, earthy flavor that is so deliciously satisfying. Serve this up with some thick-cut roasted delicata squash or sweet potato fries. Or consider just serving it next to some store bought hummus, crackers, celery, and carrots for a sophisticated twist on a crudite platter. Your guests will be impressed!

Health Benefits of Beets:

• Beets are rich in betalains (a phytonutrient responsible for the pigmentation in beets), which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

• Beets help keep your liver healthy so it can continue to get rid of toxins in your body

• They are naturally sweet, especially after roasting, and eating sweet vegetables and fruits can reduce your sugar cravings

• They have high levels of phyto-nitrates, which helps your body lower and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. These phyto-nitrates also boost athletic performance and brain function.

• They are full of essential nutrients and minerals, like magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, phosphorus, Vitamins A, B, and C
  

Ingredients

• 4-5 medium sized beets, washed and dried

• 1 clove of garlic

• Juice from half of a lemon

• ¼ cup of good quality olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375

• Cut beets into ¼ inch wedges and mix with a drizzle of olive oil, some salt and pepper

• Roast at 375 for 45 min to an hour, until soft when poked with fork

• Put roasted beets with remainder of ingredients in a blender and pulse until a paste forms

• If mixture needs more moisture, add some olive oil, water, or lemon juice until it reaches the consistency you like

Ingredients needed

Beets ready to be roasted

Served here with roasted delicata squash

Beet dip served next to hummus and leftover chimichurri sauce