Out-of-This-World Pizza with Goat Cheese and Fig Tapenade

A tapenade is a condiment from the Provence region of France typically made with olives, capers, and other seasonings. Ours contains figs, which gives it its thick consistency. It can be made several days in advance and refrigerated. On the day of the party, assemble the pizzas up to an hour in advance, cover, and leave at room temperature until ready to bake.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 2 pieces)

Ingredients

• 2/3  cup  chopped dried figs (about 4 ounces)
• 3  tablespoons  water
• 3  tablespoons  chopped pitted kalamata olives
• 1  tablespoon  balsamic vinegar
• 1  teaspoon  olive oil
• 1  teaspoon  chopped fresh thyme
• 1/8  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 4  whole-wheat English muffins, split
• 1  cup  (4 ounces) crumbled soft goat cheese
• Thyme sprigs (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°.

Combine figs and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently until liquid is absorbed. Place figs in a small bowl. Stir in olives, vinegar, oil, thyme, and pepper. Top each muffin half with 2 tablespoons cheese and 2 tablespoons fig mixture. Place muffin halves on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Cut each muffin half in half. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

175 (28% from fat)

Fat:

5.5g (sat 2.5g,mono 2g,poly 0.6g)

Protein:

5.7g

Carbohydrate:

26.8g

Fiber:

3.4g

Cholesterol:

13mg

Iron:

1.7mg

Sodium:

290mg

Calcium:

131mg