Pecorino Romano with Apples and Fig Jam

Ingredients

• 6 dried figs, halved
• 1/2 cup simple syrup, recipe follows
• 2 tablespoons brandy
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
• 24 baguette slices
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
• 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Braeburn), thinly sliced into 24 slices
• 1/4 pound chunk Pecorino Romano, for shaving 24 pieces

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the figs, simple syrup, and brandy. Bring the mixture up to a simmer. Turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Place the fig mixture and the hazelnuts in a food processor and blend, pulsing a few times, until pureed. Set aside.

Place the baguette slices on a heavy baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Top each slice with 1 teaspoon grated Pecorino Romano. Bake until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and golden, about 7 minutes.

Top each slice of toast with 2 teaspoons of fig jam, a slice of apple and a piece of shaved Pecorino Romano. Transfer the toasts to a serving platter and serve.

Simple syrup:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup sugar

In a saucepan combine water and sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved. Take pan off heat and cool the syrup. Any extra cooled syrup can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator.