Are you looking for a delicious and easy appetizer to serve at your Christmas or New Year’s party? If so, you will love these radicchio cups with goat cheese, figs, and honey. They are colorful, crunchy, creamy, and sweet, and they are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Plus, they are gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-carb, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
Radicchio is a type of chicory that has a bitter and peppery taste. It is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and fiber, and it has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Goat cheese is a soft cheese that has a tangy and creamy flavor. It is lower in calories, fat, and lactose than cow’s cheese, and it is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. Figs are a type of fruit that have a sweet and chewy texture. They are high in natural sugars, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, and they can help lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and prevent constipation. Honey is a natural sweetener that has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. It can help soothe sore throats, heal wounds, and boost immunity.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
These radicchio cups with goat cheese, figs, and honey are very easy to make and require only a few ingredients and tools. You will need:
- 1 large head of radicchio
- 4 ounces of goat cheese, softened
- 8 fresh or dried figs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts, toasted
- A knife
- A cutting board
- A small bowl
- A spoon
- A baking sheet
- A serving platter
Total Yield and Portion Size
The total yield of this recipe is 16 radicchio cups, and the portion size is 2 cups per person.
Time Required
The time required for this recipe is 15 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making these radicchio cups with goat cheese, figs, and honey:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the radicchio head into quarters and carefully peel off the outer leaves. You should have about 16 large and sturdy leaves. Rinse them and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, stir together the goat cheese and honey until well combined and smooth.
- Spoon about a tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture onto the center of each radicchio leaf and spread it evenly.
- Top each leaf with some chopped figs and walnuts, pressing them lightly into the cheese.
- Arrange the radicchio cups on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the figs are soft.
- Transfer the radicchio cups to a serving platter and enjoy them while they are warm or at room temperature.
These radicchio cups with goat cheese, figs, and honey are a perfect appetizer for any festive occasion. They are elegant, tasty, and healthy, and they will impress your guests with their flavor and presentation. You can serve them as they are or with some crackers, bread, or salad on the side. You can also customize them by using different types of cheese, fruits, nuts, or herbs. For example, you can try ricotta, blue cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone instead of goat cheese; dates, apricots, cranberries, or grapes instead of figs; pecans, almonds, pistachios, or pine nuts instead of walnuts; and rosemary, thyme, basil, or mint instead of honey.
Tips and Notes
Some tips and notes for making these radicchio cups with goat cheese, figs, and honey are:
- If you cannot find fresh figs, you can use dried figs instead. Just soak them in some warm water for 10 minutes to soften them and then drain them before chopping them.
- If you want to make these radicchio cups ahead of time, you can assemble them and refrigerate them for up to a day. Then, bake them right before serving them.
- If you have any leftover radicchio leaves, you can chop them and add them to a salad, a soup, a stir-fry, or a pasta dish.
- If you have any leftover goat cheese mixture, you can use it as a spread for sandwiches, toast, or bagels, or as a dip for vegetables, chips, or pretzels.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for one serving (2 radicchio cups) of this recipe are:
- Calories: 156
- Fat: 7.2 g
- Saturated fat: 3.8 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
- Sodium: 104 mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.8 g
- Fiber: 2.6 g
- Sugar: 16.4 g
- Protein: 5.4 g
Disclaimer
Please note that these nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and measurements used.
This recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian, but it may contain allergens such as dairy, nuts, and honey. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, please consult your doctor before trying this recipe. We are not responsible for any adverse reactions that may occur from consuming this recipe. Please enjoy this recipe at your own risk.