Don’t get yourself into a fig jam…

Fig jam is of my favorite condiments to have on hand is a tiny, treasured jar of fig jam.  In fact in my pantry right now are multiple brands of fig jam.  I think that you really can’t go wrong with fig jam because you can find a use for any variety.  I find that brands of fig jam very on density and sweetness.  Here are three of the varieties that I have in my pantry and their uses are listed below as well.

The Harvest Song fig jam has a loose consistency and is not as sweet as other fig jams.  I like to use it for fig jam vinaigrette.  All you need to do to make this is mix together the following ingredients: 1/2 c fig jam, 3 tbs apple cider vinegar, 1/4 c vegetable oil, and pinch of salt.  Yesterday I tossed this vinaigrette over greens with roasted butternut squash, sweet onion, beets, and goat cheese.  It was delicious.  Another variation is to toss this vinaigrette over arugula, sweet onion, pear slices, and honey goat cheese.

The Dalmatia Fig Jam comes in this orange-infused variety as well as a regular variety.  I think this orange-infused variety is great for spreading on a slice of toast or filling butter cookies.  It is also great for making crostini.  Take a slice of toasted bread or a rustic cracker and spread it with honey goat cheese.  Then top it off with a dab of fig jam and you have a great appetizer that everyone will enjoy!

The Mitica fig jam is a great addition to any cheese plate.  It is great paired with manchego cheese especially.  Of course these are just my suggestions, you might find many other uses for the varieties of fig jam as well.  Don’t be afraid to try them!  I’m watching Martha Stewart right now and she’s finding uses for parmesan cheese.  Now that I bought Silpat sheets I want to make parmesan crisps to go with the fig jam vinaigrette salads that I often make.  You can find inspiration anywhere…just look around and get out of that creative jam you’re in!

Favorite Things

I work out everyday so sometimes I get more excited about workout clothes shopping then regular clothes shopping.  Nothing motivates me to workout like some cute gear.  Some of my latest (tested and approved) faves:

Super comfortable, great fabric, and don’t have to adjust them at all while I’m working out, I love that.  I have them in black, and it’s my mom’s birthday tomorrow, guess what she’s getting…  They’re from Athleta.

Softest Shirt Ever!  It’s Under Amour‘s Charged Cotton.

This Sports Bra is for serious workouts.  It’s from Under Armour too!

I love a fun pattern, and Nike has some great variations on this classic bra.

Super Comfy, great fabric, great basic!  Nike knows what’s up.

Aren’t these cute?  I just bought them, I’m a sucker for cute New Balance kicks!

I stick to basics for working out because I hate having stuff that has 7 different trendy straps pulling everywhere, or colors that require coordination.  And I love me some Target workout gear, but to be perfectly honest, I workout so often that I’m coming to the realization that I need to wear real workout clothes for the occasion.  Whether I like it or not, I’ve realized a $50 pair of spandex capris have a much longer life cycle than the $15 ones at Target.  And I still love all my gear left over from high school and college sports, but I’ve learned that my weight room shirt from 8 years ago will not smell like anything other than 8 years of sweat no matter how many times I wash it (which is sad because it’s got the whole worn-in retro thing going on now).  Plus who doesn’t love another reason to shop!