Let’s ask Gina! This month’s Guest Blogger and Mom of the Month is Gina of “What’s for Dinner Across State Lines” ~ where two granddaughters, Gina and Robbyn give tribute to the legacy of their grandfather, renowned chef Silvio Conciatore, by sharing their love for food.
If you value family and traditions like I do, you’ll feel an instant connection with Gina. A quote from her About page says:
“My goal for the blog is to share some of the recipes I’ve written and collected over the years; try new ones and hopefully inspire you to create new recipes and memories of your own! I’m really big on traditions and host events at my house continuously. We have a huge family and I love feeding them.”
Like me, she has a daughter that entered college this year and was cooking all her favorite foods before she left. She was willing to share any of her delicious family recipes, but I thought the fresh fig appetizer that she made for her daughter’s going away party was beautiful in its simplicity and sentiment. Enjoy the Figs with Feta and Balsamic Reduction, then pop over to Gina and Robbyn’s website to check out some of the classic Italian dishes and family favorites that they so generously share with us 🙂
I planted a black jack fig tree five years ago and it’s becoming a true thing of beauty! This year we are having a bumper crop, and I couldn’t be happier. Have you ever had a fig right off the tree, warmed by the sun, it is magical.
On Sunday, we had a huge party for Julia, she is leaving for college in days! I couldn’t think of a better way to kick the party off than a super simple appetizer, using my abundance of figs from our tree. I usually have a lot of kids over and some picky adults too, and almost everyone tried and liked these. It was quite a weekend, I’m still barely recovering! I have more great recipes to share with you after I take five!
I’ve been trying to get the figs before the birds, obviously they have caught on to how good they are!
Figs with Feta and Balsamic Reduction
As many figs as you can find! (I got about 2 dozen at once, a record for our young tree)
crumbled Feta cheese
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
In a small skillet heat vinegar on medium heat until reduced by half. Set aside.
I cut the figs in half, sprinkled with the feta popped them under the broiler for just a couple of minutes then drizzled them with the balsamic vinegar. They were magnificent ~ sweet, salty and with a bit of tang!
Enjoy 🙂
A flavor explosion!!! Looks very good on the eyes. With feta and balsamic, I could totally dig it!
@Mahesh – Aren’t they beautiful! You said it perfectly – and, it’s easy to make 🙂
Priscilla,
Thank you so much for the support! I’ve enjoyed blogging so much because of all the wonderful people I’ve been able to get to know, such as yourself. I feel like I’m growing as a cook too reading everyone elses recipes and tips.
-Gina-
I just love figs! This recipe looks amazing! Fig trees are beatiful. Did it bare a lot of fruit this year?
Sometimes the simplest things are the most awe-inspiring! I’m so jealous of the fig tree!
Gina, these are so delightful…Wishing your daughter the best on her new ventures…And Priscilla, you always find the best of the best for these posts. Big hugs to you both 🙂
I love Gina’s blog…and I’m so glad that she did a post! I’m also sending good wishes to your daughter, Gina…many life-affirming adventures to come. I wish I could sample one of your delightful figs. There is nothing better than eating fruit straight off the branch. Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic recipe presented perfectly. Love the combination of flavors here. The balsamic reduction provides the right compliment for the figs and feta.
Thank you so much for the sweet comment you left on my blog! Your blog is truly lovely. I would LOVE to have a fig tree, you’re right, ripe figs right off the tree are truly magical! What a wonderful treat this dish is, and perfect for a special occasion.
I like her thinkin…