Goat Cheese, Fig + Caramelized Onion Crostinis

After my last post covering the Harvest dinner/potluck I held at my apartment I received a bunch of emails and requests for the goat cheese crostini recipe.  Well, my lovely friend Quinn put these together and they were a huge hit at the party.  They are light but loaded with flavor, making them the perfect bite to get your appetite going without filling you up too much just before dinner.  Plus - they are super easy!  Quinn was sweet enough to send me her recipe to share with all of you, so here it is - enjoy!

Goat Cheese, Fig + Caramelized Onion Crostinis

Ingredients
- 1 French Baguette
- 1 small log of goat cheese (left out to soften). You could also use gorgonzola if you prefer.

- 1 tbsp butter

- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

- salt & pepper

- 2 yellow onions, cut into thinly sliced strips

- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

- fig jam or fig preserves (I used store bought, but some recipes give instructions for how to make)

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F).  Cut the baguette into crostini-size pieces and put on a baking sheet.  Brush with olive oil and bake at 425 for 8-10 minutes.  (Can be done ahead of time)  

In saucepan, heat up 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter on medium heat. Add the onions then cover and cook on medium-low heat for about ten minutes.  Uncover, cook on low heat for about 25-30 minutes, stirring about every five minutes.  If they are cooking too fast, lower the heat.  When onions are golden brown (caramelized), add 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, a dash of salt & pepper and deglaze any brown bits for the pan.  Cook for about 2-3 more minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.

To assemble the crostinis, spread goat cheese first, add about a teaspoon of fig jam, and then topped with caramelized onions.  Serve warm, but also ok at room temp!

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