Fig, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
• 1 cup fig preserves, or as needed
• 4 slices prosciutto, or as needed
• 4 ounces goat cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon finely ground Himalayan pink salt, or more to taste

Directions

1. Thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions. Once thawed, unfold it onto a lightly floured work surface.
2. Spread a thin layer of fig preserves over the pastry, leaving about 1 inch from the left short edge.
3. Layer the prosciutto slices on top of the fig preserves, ensuring the preserves are well covered.
4. Using a knife or offset spatula, spread the goat cheese evenly over the prosciutto.
5. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary and walnuts evenly over the goat cheese.
6. Starting from the right short side, carefully roll the puff pastry into a log shape. When you reach the left edge, moisten it with damp fingertips and continue rolling, sealing the seam side down.
7. Wrap the filled puff pastry log loosely in parchment paper and refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up.
8. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Once chilled, slice the puff pastry log crosswise into 3/4-inch pinwheels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
10. In a small bowl, mix about 1 tablespoon of water with the beaten egg. Brush the pinwheels with the egg wash and lightly sprinkle with coarsely ground pink salt.
11. Bake the pinwheels in the center of the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh rosemary.

Cook's Note

Use enough prosciutto to fully cover the fig preserves. The number of slices needed will depend on the size of your prosciutto slices.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 132
• Total Fat: 4g (5% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (9% DV)
• Cholesterol: 23mg (8% DV)
• Sodium: 279mg (12% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g (7% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% DV)
• Total Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 4g (8% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (3% DV)
• Calcium: 23mg (2% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (3% DV)
• Potassium: 58mg (1% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Recipe Origin and History:

The combination of figs, prosciutto, and goat cheese may sound like a modern culinary innovation, but this sweet-salty duo has roots in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in regions such as Italy and Spain. Figs have been cultivated for thousands of years, prized for their sweetness and versatility. Prosciutto, a dry-cured ham originating in Italy, and goat cheese, commonly used in European fare, are both staples in many Mediterranean dishes. These ingredients, when paired together, evoke the flavors of rustic charcuterie boards, often enjoyed in both casual and celebratory settings. The use of puff pastry as a base, however, reflects a more contemporary twist, adding a flaky, buttery layer that enhances the dishs texture and makes it perfect for parties or appetizers.

Regional Variations:

Though this recipe draws from Mediterranean influences, the specific combination of figs, prosciutto, and goat cheese is not confined to any single region. In Italy, prosciutto and figs are often paired together in various forms, from salads to simple appetizers. In Spain, the idea of combining sweet and savory is also prevalent, seen in dishes like "jamn ibrico" paired with melon. The addition of goat cheese brings a tangy creaminess that is common in Mediterranean cheeses, like those from southern France or Greece. Regional variations might include the use of different nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, instead of walnuts, or the addition of herbs like thyme or basil to suit local tastes.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes:

While there are many appetizers that combine sweet and savory ingredients, such as prosciutto-wrapped melon or fig-based spreads, the Fig, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Pinwheels offer a distinct twist. What sets them apart is the use of puff pastry, which provides a delicate, flaky texture that contrasts with the creamy goat cheese and the chewy prosciutto. This contrasts with other savory pastry dishes, such as traditional Italian croissants or spanakopita, which typically use fillings of cheese, spinach, or meats without the sweetness of figs. The rolling technique used to create pinwheels also makes these bites easy to serve at gatherings, offering an elegant yet approachable presentation.

Common Serving Occasions:

Fig, prosciutto, and goat cheese pinwheels are often served as appetizers at dinner parties, festive gatherings, or holiday meals. Their elegant appearance and balance of flavors make them ideal for cocktail parties or special occasions where finger food is preferable. They are also a popular choice for buffets or as a starter before a more substantial meal. Additionally, their versatility means they can be served warm or at room temperature, making them an easy dish to prepare ahead of time and serve when needed.

Interesting Facts:

• Figs are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world, believed to have been grown as early as 5,000 BCE in the Middle East and Western Asia.
• Prosciutto, which means ham in Italian, is made from the hind leg of a pig and is typically aged for anywhere between 12 to 36 months, depending on the variety.
• Goat cheese, also known as chvre in French, is highly prized for its tangy flavor and creamy texture. It is a dairy product that has been produced for thousands of years, especially in Mediterranean countries.
• Walnuts, one of the key ingredients in this recipe, are known for their health benefits, including being high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health.

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