Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- 1/2 pound Idiazábal cheese, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Oven or toaster oven
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the bread is lightly toasted.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
6. Spread a generous amount of fig jam on each slice of bread.
7. Top with a slice of Idiazábal cheese.
8. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-14 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12-14 bruschetta
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 170
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 230mg
Total carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Baguette can be substituted with any crusty bread.
- Idiazábal cheese can be substituted with any semi-hard cheese such as Manchego or Gouda.
- Fresh thyme leaves can be substituted with any fresh herb such as rosemary or basil.
Variations:
- Add thinly sliced prosciutto or serrano ham on top of the cheese for a salty twist.
- Substitute fig jam with apricot or peach jam for a different flavor.
- Top with chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the cheese thinly so it melts evenly.
- If the cheese is not melting as desired, broil for an additional minute or two.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the bruschetta on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the bruschetta on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh thyme leaves
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine such as Tempranillo or Rioja.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is not melting as desired, broil for an additional minute or two.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Food history:
Idiazábal cheese is a semi-hard, smoked cheese made from raw milk from Latxa or Carranzana sheep in the Basque Country of Spain.
Flavor profiles:
The combination of sweet fig jam and salty, smoky Idiazábal cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Spanish