Fig and Gorgonzola Pizza

Figs originated in western Asia and are now native to the Mediterranean.  They are celebrated in the United States during National Fig Week, which takes place during the first week of November.

The best, easiest way to enjoy figs is to just eat them fresh and in season.  If figs are hard to come by near you, you have a lot of options.  Shop for fig cookies or dried figs, or make your own great fig treats.

Try Sicilian Fig Cookies, Fresh Fig Cake, or get adventurous with your pizza.

Fig and Gorgonzola Pizza

·         prebaked pizza crust

·         8 dried figs

·         1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

·         1 tablespoon olive oil

·         1 pinch salt

·         1 teaspoon dried thyme

·         1 teaspoon fennel seeds

·         4 ounces gorgonzola

·         1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed

Place the figs into a small bowl, and pour boiling water over them. Let stand for about 10 minutes, then drain and chop. Set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions; cook and stir until they are translucent. Reduce heat to low, and salt lightly. Continue to cook, stirring continuously, until the onions are a dark, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in the thyme, fennel seed and figs, and remove from the heat.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Brush the pizza crust lightly with remaining olive oil. Spread the onion and fig mixture over the crust. Sprinkle with gorgonzola crumbles.

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the crust has turned golden brown at the edges.

Pair this sweet and savory pizza with an Australian Chardonnay like the 2007 Yalumba Eden Valley Wild Ferment Chardonnay ($18).  Notes of cream, almond, and citrus will pair nicely with the pizza.  Another great option is an American Pinot Gris like the 2008 Handley Cellars Anderson Valley Pinot Gris ($18), with a dry finish and mineral nuances to highlight the flavor profile of the pizza.  Another option is the light and crisp flavor of an Italian Pinot Grigio like the 2008 Danzante Special Selection Pinot Grigio ($10).

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