Ingredients
Pancetta:
- Vegetable oil cooking spray
- 16 thin slices pancetta
Jam:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 dried black mission figs
- 3 tablespoons brandy or apple juice
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted (see Cook's Notes)
- 4 ciabatta rolls, halved lengthwise
- 8 ounces Brie, rind removed, cut into 8 slices (see Cook's Notes)
Directions
For the pancetta: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 2 baking sheets with vegetable oil cooking spray. Arrange the pancetta in a single layer on each baking sheet. Bake until golden and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes.
For the jam: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, figs, and brandy (or apple juice) over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Pour into a food processor and add the hazelnuts. Blend until smooth and thick.
Preheat a panini press. Spread the bottom half of each roll with the jam. Place 4 slices of cooked pancetta on top and add 2 slices of cheese. Place the top half of the roll on top of the cheese. Grill in a panini maker until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted, 4 to 5 minutes. Cool slightly and serve.
Cook's Notes:
-To toast the hazelnuts, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly toasted. Cool completely before using.
- For easier slicing, freeze the cheese for 15 minutes


















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By lg2011
Troy, Michigan
on December 22, 2011
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Didn't even go make the fig spread, just used some jared apricot jam, and these were AWESOME!!!! even my 3 year old daughter LOVED them!
By moomoosacrew
madera ca
on November 29, 2011
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I loved it and so did my kids :
By mklubeck_9055950
San Diego, CA
on August 15, 2011
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I made this for friends about a month ago and we all LOVED it. I make a lot of Giada's recipes and this one easily makes top 5.
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