Goat Cheese Dip With Red Wine Figs

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Goat Cheese Dip With Red Wine Figs

Here we go – this post is coming a few days early as I am squeezing one more post in before I dip out for the Thanksgiving week and put all my focus into consuming as much pie as possible and into keeping warm. We are heading up to Minneapolis in a few days, despite weather.com reminding me that it’s a horrible idea to travel north during the season of polar vortexs and non-stop blizzards. Don’t worry, I am trying to stay positive and ignore all the articles on the people who have been stuck in their cars for over 24 hours due to the New Buffalo blizzard (okay, now I am just being dramatic).

I had intended to do another vegetarian Thanksgiving round-up and remind everyone that it is possible to have a 100% humane holiday but I’ve honestly already seen a slew of really great vegetarian round-ups that made me second guess needing to put another one out there. It’s crazy wonderful how far vegetarianism has come, just in the three years since I’ve been blogging (despite the 12 years since I became a vegetarian) and it’s really inspiring to see so many people catching on! I mean, I know you guys get it (that is why you are here!) but it used to be really really hard for us vegetarians to sit down at the Thanksgiving table and find something to eat. Luckily, the days of frozen meat protein and plates full of dinner rolls are over because there are endless recipes for vegetarian mains and even meat-free sides!
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I have one more recipe to throw into the Thanksgiving mix – a simple and cheesy dip that is a perfect starter to have around while everyone’s mouths start salivating over the irresistible cooking smell coming from the kitchen. The base is creamy and then it is layered with red wine poached figs for an elegant twist – the sweet from the figs and savory from the goat cheese is addictive in the best way possible.

I prefer this dip with fresh cut veggies (your body will thank you later) but it is also great served with toasted flat bread or homemade crackers. Make sure you pick super fresh and vibrant vegetables for the tray as they are going to be a shining piece of the flavor. I picked an array of carrots, homemade crackers, romanesco broccoli, watermelon radishes, grapes (more to cleanse your pallet between bites rather than dipping), and celery. Feel free to get creative with your tray and pick what you find looks the freshest at your grocery store. Also, make sure you pick vegetables that have different colors, textures, and size to create a show stopper appetizer tray.

Goat Cheese Dip With Red Wine Figs recipe below:

Goat Cheese Dip With Red Wine Figs

Goat Cheese Dip With Red Wine Figs
A simple and flavorful goat cheese dip that is perfect for your next party!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Author: Shelly Westerhausen
Ingredients
  • 1 pint of fresh figs (about 6 large or 8 small), quartered
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • dash of salt
  • 4 ounces of goat cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped chives + more for garnish
  • Salt / Pepper
  • An assortment of veggies , crackers, and chips
Instructions
  1. Combine the figs, red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes or until the figs has absorbed the red color (I like to keep my figs a little firm but feel free to let them simmer for longer if you'd like them to absorb more of the wine flavor).
  3. Remove from heat and strain.
  4. Whisk together the goat cheese, sour cream, and chives and transfer to serving dish.
  5. Top with poached figs and chives.

 

Comment

9 Comments

  • pinkpatisserie
    November 21, 2014

    That’s a seriously gorgeous dip, and that tray of veg is just stunning! Safe travels to you!

  • Weekly Collective: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Edition - Soul Beet
    November 21, 2014

    […] Goat Cheese Dip with Red Wine Figs  // Vegetarian Ventures […]

  • soulbeet
    November 21, 2014

    Hi Shelly! This dip looks divine. I shared the link to this recipe in my Thanksgiving inspiration post, I hope that is all right 🙂

    Renee

    • Shellywest
      soulbeet
      November 21, 2014

      Of course! That is awesome – going to hop over and check it out now!!

  • ileana
    November 21, 2014

    So gorgeous!!

  • Jessi G
    November 21, 2014

    This actually sounds lovely as Thanksgiving dinner for me and my husband! It just needs wine!

  • theclevercarrot
    November 25, 2014

    Oh my goodness! Hooray for *everything* on that platter! Watermelon radishes always make me swoon… I love your take of this goat cheese dip with the poached figs. Elegant yet super casual. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  • kristie {birch and wild}
    November 29, 2014

    This would be a beautiful addition to any Holiday table. Such a visual stunner, and the goat cheese dip sounds super good.

  • Gabby @ the veggie nook
    November 30, 2014

    Finally catching up on my blog reading, and oh am I glad I did. This is stunning! I love the flavours, especially how you cooked the figs in wine. This is the ultimate entertaining dish!

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