Savory Herb & Fig Almond Spread
Elevate your snacking experience with this Savory Herb & Fig Almond Spread, a delightful blend of tangy chevre cheese, sweet dried figs, and aromatic herbs. This spread, inspired by a traditional fig and nut recipe, replaces walnuts with crunchy toasted almonds for a satisfying texture and flavor. Perfect for gatherings or a relaxing evening at home, serve it alongside warm toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers for a gourmet treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your palate.
N/A
Servings
30
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boiling water
1 cup (to cover figs)
Chopped dried figs
3/4 cup (approximately 14 whole figs, chopped)
Crumbled chevre cheese
3 ounces (no preparation needed)
Light sour cream
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Fresh basil
3 tablespoons (snipped)
Fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (snipped)
Salt
to taste (no preparation needed)
Ground black pepper
to taste (no preparation needed)
Chopped toasted almonds
1/2 cup (divided)
Milk
2 tablespoons (optional, for thinning)
Fresh thyme
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the chopped dried figs in a small bowl and covering them completely with boiling water. Let them sit for approximately 15 minutes to soften. After soaking, drain the figs well and set aside.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the crumbled chevre cheese, light sour cream, snipped fresh basil, and snipped fresh thyme. Mix gently until well combined, then season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
3
Carefully fold in the drained figs and 1/4 cup of the chopped toasted almonds to the cheese mixture. If you prefer a creamier consistency, add milk gradually until the desired texture is reached.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the spread for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
When ready to serve, transfer the spread to a decorative serving bowl. Top it off with the remaining chopped toasted almonds and a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired.
6
Serve with crispy toasted baguette slices or an assortment of crunchy crackers for a delightful appetizer.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
0.7g
Protein
0.4g
Fiber
1.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Herb & Fig Almond Spread?
It is a gourmet appetizer spread made with tangy chevre cheese, sweet dried figs, aromatic herbs, and crunchy toasted almonds.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of crumbled chevre cheese.
How do I prepare the dried figs?
Chop the dried figs and soak them in 1 cup of boiling water for about 15 minutes to soften them before draining.
How many calories are in a serving of this spread?
Each serving contains approximately 30 calories.
What herbs are included in the spread?
The spread features 3 tablespoons of snipped fresh basil and 1 tablespoon of snipped fresh thyme.
Can I make this spread in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the covered spread for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What should I serve with this fig and almond spread?
It is best served with warm toasted baguette slices or a variety of crunchy crackers.
How do I make the spread creamier?
You can gradually add up to 2 tablespoons of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
Yes, it contains 1/2 cup of chopped toasted almonds.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
Is there any sugar in this spread?
Yes, it contains 1.3 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from the dried figs.
How much protein does this spread provide?
Each serving provides 0.7 grams of protein.
What type of sour cream should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of light sour cream.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including items for garnish and seasoning.
How long does it take to soak the figs?
The figs should soak in boiling water for approximately 15 minutes.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 2.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered a dip or a spread?
It is categorized as both a spread and a dip, perfect for party food.
How do I garnish the spread for serving?
Top the spread with the remaining chopped toasted almonds and an optional sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Can I use fresh thyme as a garnish?
Yes, fresh thyme is recommended as an optional garnish for added aroma and presentation.
What is the fiber content?
There is 0.4 grams of fiber per serving.
Is the chevre cheese crumbled before mixing?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 3 ounces of crumbled chevre cheese.
Do I need to season the spread?
Yes, you should season with salt and ground black pepper to taste during the mixing process.
How are the almonds prepared?
The almonds should be chopped and toasted before being added to the spread.
Is boiling water used in the final mixture?
No, the boiling water is only used to soak the figs and should be drained before adding the figs to the cheese mixture.
What size mixing bowl is recommended?
A medium-sized mixing bowl is ideal for combining the cheese, sour cream, and herbs.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include spread, chevre, fig, almond, appetizer, gourmet, herb, dips, and party food.
How many whole figs equal 3/4 cup chopped?
Approximately 14 whole dried figs equal 3/4 cup when chopped.
Can I use regular sour cream?
While the recipe suggests light sour cream, regular sour cream can be used as a substitute.
Should the herbs be fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh basil and fresh thyme for the best flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a gourmet gathering?
Yes, it is designed as a gourmet treat to impress guests at gatherings.