Paula Deen's Lean: Fig Blue Cheese Crostini

My husband and I absolutely love having people over to our home. We truly value the friendships of others and the time spent together. Even though we open up our home and enjoy having others in it, this does not dismiss the fact there is a lot of work that goes into it . Things need to be straightened up, a trip to the store needs to be made, food needs to be prepared and in my case, the little one needs to get a nap at some point. With so much to do, I can't always afford to spend hours and hours preparing food in the kitchen. Therefore, I love recipes such as Paula Deen's Fig Balsamic Blue Cheese Crostini. It sounds so fancy, yet takes hardly any time or thought at all. Here's how to make it little bit lighter and still make it a big hit!

FIG BLUE CHEESE CROSTINI
Yields 8 Servings


INGREDIENTS:
1 Whole Grain baguette, sliced and toasted
2 oz goat cheese
4 oz FAT FREE cream cheese
2 oz REDUCED-FAT blue cheese
1/2 cup Fig Preserves


DIRECTIONS:
In a the bowl of a food processor, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese and blue cheese. Process until smooth.
To serve spread crostini with cheese mixture and top with a dollop of the Fig Preserves.

RESULTS:
My guests were really happy with this appetizer. The combination of the three different cheese flavors was really nice. The dollop of fig gives just the right amount of sweet to compliment the cheese spread. Now, Paula Deen's recipe calls for her Fig Balsamic Grilling Sauce, which I did not have. Therefore, a little improvising had to be done and I used the closest thing to it; Fig Preserves. It worked this time! If you are not a fan of fig, perhaps any low-sugar fruit preserve would be just as good...if not better. Try it with a little raspberry or blueberry preserves. Let me know how it is!




ENJOY!! And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving): 201.5 calories;  3.1g fat;  37.1g carbohydrate;  10.2g protein;  6.3g fiber

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