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!

Sometimes Sandra Lee Makes Sense

When it comes to baked goods, I love to make them myself from scratch.  I think it’s healthier than store bought, and it’s nice to know all of the ingredients that are in your food.  Plus they usually taste better (usually…).  Even though this is my goal, it doesn’t always happen like that.  One thing that I actually have never made from scratch is brownies.  I’m on the Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade team for these.

I blame it on my childhood.  My mother who actually has a degree from the New York Restaurant School, never makes brownies from scratch (shhhh, don’t tell anybody).  She claims that brownies are just a little too much extra effort from scratch, and the box mixes come pretty close.  So brownies from a box it is!

My mom has always sworn by this kind:

I made a batch recently and to add a little extra something, I softened some peanut butter and added it on top before I put it into the oven.

So pretty.

PS- While we’re on the topic of Food Network people, I recently caught an episode of Jeff Mauro’s new show.  He was the winner of last season’s Next Food Network Star.  Hilarious.  Give him a try, especially if you like sandwiches because that’s his thing.