Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs

Name: Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 dozen.
Ingredients: 12 large toothpicks; 12 dried figs; 4 ounces fresh goat cheese; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; 1 package (11 ounces) Kraft caramel bits; 2 tablespoons water; 1/3 cup finely chopped almonds; 1-1/2 cups dark chocolate chips, melted; Coarse sea salt

Here’s a special appetizer that won’t last long! Fruit, caramel and rich dark chocolate add a sweet touch to this grown-up dipped fruit. —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen

Ingredients

12 large toothpicks
12 dried figs
4 ounces fresh goat cheese
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 package (11 ounces) Kraft caramel bits
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup finely chopped almonds
1-1/2 cups dark chocolate chips, melted
Coarse sea salt

Directions

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and grease the paper; set aside.
Insert a toothpick into each fig. Make a 1/2-in. cut on the side of each fig. Combine the cheese, honey and vinegar in a small bowl. Transfer to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Pipe cheese mixture into figs.
Melt caramels and water in a microwave; stir until smooth. Dip each fig into caramel; turn to coat. Place on prepared pan; let stand until set.
Place almonds in a small shallow bowl. Dip bottom third of each fig into melted chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Dip into almonds and sprinkle with salt. Return to pan; let stand until set.

Originally published as Filled Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs in Simple & Delicious October/November 2012