GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI WITH CACAO NIBS AND FRESH FIGS

Goat Cheese Crostini with Cacao Nibs and Fresh Figs image

Provided by Aarti Sequeira

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

One 12-inch baguette, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing crostini
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black peppercorns, plus additional freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces cream cheese
8 ounces fresh goat cheese
6 tablespoons heavy cream
2 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao nibs
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
12 fresh black figs, half sliced and half cut into wedges
Honey, for drizzling

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place the bread slices on a large baking sheet and brush with extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Put the cream cheese, goat cheese, heavy cream, 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
Add the coarsely ground peppercorns, cacao nibs and thyme leaves. Pulse until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Smear a spoonful of the cheese mixture on each crostini. Top with some sliced and wedged figs, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with a few thyme leaves and some salt.