Gorgonzola, Fig and Pecan Cheese Terrine
- 1/2 cup dried Mission figs, quartered, plus 1/2 cup for garnish
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1 sprig fresh thyme, plus 1 bunch for garnish
- 1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, at room temperature
- 8 ounces crumbled gorgonzola
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces, plus 1/2 cup for garnish
- 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
- Mesclun and frisee greens, for garnishing
- Put the 1/2 cup quartered figs into a small saucepan along with the red wine and thyme.
- Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
- Drain the figs, discard the thyme and wine and set the figs aside to cool.
- Put the cream cheese and butter into the bowl of a standing mixer and, using the paddle attachment, cream the mixture on medium until well blended, about 1 minute.
- Add the Gorgonzola, brandy and salt and beat 1 more minute.
- Take care not to overbeat or it won't set properly.
- Spray a 1 quart loaf pan with cooking spray and line the inside with plastic wrap.
- Spoon half of the cheese mixture into the pan and spread it evenly, making sure to get into the corners.
- Scatter the figs, pecans and chopped parsley on top evenly and cover with the remaining cheese.
- Give the pan a few sharp raps on a flat surface to settle the terrine, cover the top with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
- To remove the terrine from the pan, turn upside down on a flat surface and pull 1 end of the plastic wrap down.
- The terrine will slip out of the pan onto the top piece of plastic wrap.
- Slice and fan out on a platter garnished with greens.
- Garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of figs, pecans and thyme.
- Serve with crackers.
red wine, thyme, cream cheese, butter, gorgonzola, brandy, salt, pecan, flat leaf parsley, frisee greens
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/gorgonzola-fig-and-pecan-cheese-terrine-recipe.html (may not work)