Burrata with Figs, Honey and Roasted Pistachios

Burrata is one of those foods that you just can’t believe why you never knew about it sooner once you have tasted it for the first time.  This simple yet elegant appetizer of Burrata with Figs, Honey and Roasted Pistachios will definitely have you falling in love with Burrata cheese and figs.

Burrata is a silky version of mozzarella, with a firm outerlayer.  Once you cut into that outer layer the creamy center emerges revealing all of its deliciousness.  Burrata has the same flavor as firmer mozzarella cheese so it really can be utilized in both sweet and savory dishes.  Typically I like to pair it with fresh tomatoes and balsamic vinegar but for this recipe I chose to highlight its sweeter side by pairing it with Black Mission Figs, Honey and roasted Pistachios for texture.

If you ask me, figs don’t get near the attention they deserve.  They are one of the lesser utilized fruits which is unfortunate because they are divine!  Figs are so versatile you can eat them as is, on a cheese plate, salad, grill or roast them.  Heck the Italians love to bake with them as well!  Figs are luscious and sweet with a complex texture that combines the chewiness of their flesh and the crunchiness of their seeds.

My advice to you if you have never purchased figs before is to look for these main attributes to ensure they are ripe.

1. Look for figs that have a rich, deep color and are plump/tender, but not too soft and mushy.
2. They should have firm stems and not have soft bruises.
3. They should have a sweet fragrance, not sour.

Burrata with Figs, Honey and roasted Pistachios is definitely going to be a holiday appetizer favorite.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 ball of Burrata cheese
• 1/2 cup Roasted Pistachios (chopped)
• 1/2 lbs fresh Mission Figs
• 2-3 Tbs Honey

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place Pistachios on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until nicely toasted.  Be careful not to over toast them or you will have a very strong fragrant or burnt flavor to the pistachios.

Remove from oven and transfer to a plate immediately.

Place the Burrata cheese in the center of your serving plate, arrange the fresh figs, cut in quarters, on and around the Burrata cheese.

Drizzle with honey, and top with the chopped roasted pistachios.

Serve with crackers or French bread of choice.