Fontina Prosciutto Panini with Caramelized Onions & Fig Compote on Dark Wheat


Ingredients

2 sliced of Dark Whole Wheat bread
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
2 slices fontina cheese, sliced semi thick
2 slices prosciutto
2 tablespoons red caramelized onions (recipe follows)
1 tablespoon fig compote (recipe follows)

Directions

On the insides of the bread slices place on one side fontina cheese and on the other the fig compote, lay the prosciutto in-between and cook in a Panini press, making sure to butter the outsides of the bread for crispness. The bread should be brown and thin and crisp!

Caramelized Onions
Makes 1 cup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons onions, red or yellow, sliced in rounds and separated
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, chopped fine
2 tablespoons Madeira, port or sherry (optional)
Pinch of salt

Directions

In a large sauté pan heat the butter and the oil to a medium high heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent and soft, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Turn heat down to medium and continue to sauté slowly stirring for another 10 minutes. Add the thyme and the parsley leaves and continue to sauté, they should be turning brown now and caramelizing. Make sure you scrape the bottom the pan and stir often. Add the Madeira, port or sherry and a little more butter. Sauté a few more minutes until well caramelized and brown.

Fig Compote

Ingredients

1 pound fresh black figs, ripe & sweet, de-stemmed & chopped
1 cup simple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped fine (optional)

Directions

Place all ingredients in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring often for about 1 hour. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.