Crostini With Gorgonzola, Caramelized Onions, and Fig Jam

Jam

• 1 cup dried black figs (about 6 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 dash salt

Onions

• cooking spray
• 2 cups vertically sliced yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water (optional)

Remaining ingredients

• 1/2 cup gorgonzola, softened
• 1 loaf French baguette, toasted and sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leave

Directions

1. 1

   To prepare jam, remove stems from figs. Place figs and juice in a food processor; process until figs are coarsely chopped.

2. 2

   Place fig mixture, 2 cups water, syrup, and dash of salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until thick. Cool completely.

3. 3

   To prepare onions, heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.

4. 4

   Add onion, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and cook 20 minutes or until onion is deep golden brown, stirring occasionally.

5. 5

   While onion cooks, add 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup at a time, to keep onion from sticking to pan.

6. 6

   Spread 1 teaspoon cheese over each baguette slice. Top each slice with about 1 teaspoon onion mixture and 1 teaspoon jam. Sprinkle evenly with thyme leaves.