Fig, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Salad

Sweet-tangy balsamic vinegar reduces to a syrupy glaze that glistens atop this simple yet elegant first course.

Yield 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 ounces very thin slices prosciutto, cut into 1/8-inch-wide strips
• 12 large dark-skinned fresh figs, halved (such as Black Mission, Celeste, or Brown Turkey, about 1 pound)
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Preparation

Combine first 4 ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until reduced to 1/4 cup (about 8 minutes). Cool.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto; sauté 3 minutes or until lightly browned.

Arrange 4 fig halves on each of 6 salad plates. Divide prosciutto evenly over servings. Sprinkle each serving with 2 tablespoons cheese; drizzle with 2 teaspoons balsamic reduction. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories:196 (27% from fat)

Fat:5.8g (sat 3.1g,mono 1.2g,poly 0.3g)

Protein:6.6g

Carbohydrate:32.8g

Fiber:3.7g

Cholesterol:19mg

Iron:0.8mg

Sodium:481mg

Calcium:124mg

Cooking Light, JUNE 2007