A Fig, a Pig and a Moo

Growing up having only had figs in Newton form, and not being particularly fond of any kind of Newton, I was pleasantly surprised when I had fresh figs for the first time.  They were not too sweet with pretty speckled insides and a tender but not mushy texture.  Why are they not served like this all the time?  What is this crazy Newton business?

As a cheese lover, there's just no fruit that goes quite as well with different types of cheese as figs. (That's right grapes, you heard me.)

My go to potluck offering is always some kind of cheese and fruit plate but this time, for a multiple summer birthday dinner party, I thought I'd switch it up and actually assemble an appetizer.

My friends affectionately named this A Fig, a Pig and a Moo.  As brilliant as my friends are, this is a play off a named flatbread pizza at a restaurant in Huntington Beach called A Fig and a Pig, using figs and prosciutto, mozarella and wild rocket.

So, much as I'd like to take credit for the flavor sensation that is figs and prosciutto, it seems this combination is a no brainer.  I will take full credit for the addition of Danish blue cheese though.

This is a perfect appetizer for the summer as it doesn't require any actual cooking.  If I were a more ambitious woman, I would have grilled the figs first to carmelize the sugar.  Or wrapped the blue cheese on top of the fig and popped the whole thing in the broiler until the prosciutto was crispy and the blue cheese was melted.  Or I could have made a blue cheese spread to put on toast points and top with prosciutto and a slice of figs.

I did none of these things.

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh black figs
4 oz prosciutto in the flat package
4 oz Danish blue cheese

Directions:
1. Rinse, dry and trim the stems off the figs.

2. Slice the figs in half. Slice the stack of prosciutto into 3 strips. Separate the strips. Cut the blue cheese into 1/8 oz pieces

4. Wrap a fig half with one strip of prosciutto.  Repeat until all the figs are wrapped.

5. Top each prosciutto wrapped fig with a piece of blue cheese.

6. Optional: Place under broiler until blue cheese is melted.

7. Serve to friends and listen to all the comments about how wonderful the combination of flavors are and how it hits every part of the palate in a deeply satisfying way.

Or just enjoy with a glass of wine.

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Daily Makeup Routine

I've found that when I start getting lazy about doing my makeup, buying a new product to spice up the routine reinvigorates my energy to get dolled up everyday.  Not that you can call my minimalist routine dolled up. More like, bare basics flaw hiding.

Aside from my Ipsy subscription, I don't get new cosmetics very often, nor am I very product loyal.  There's always something new coming out!  When I buy a product, however, as long as it's acceptable, I tend to use it until the end before switching to something new. I just relish in the joy of when something I don't absolutely love runs out.

Currently, here are my daily use products and what I think of them:

Lancome Star Bronzer.  I went to ULTA and asked what kind of powder would be good with my sensitive skin for contouring.  This was the suggestion and I love how long wearing and natural it looks on the skin.  And after a couple of weeks of daily use, no skin irritation problems! $35.

Too Faced Lash Injection.   My eyes are easily irritated by mascara lately, probably because the pregnancy is causing dry eye issues. As a result, I'm not using mascara very much and I can't tell if the eye irritation is actually from the pregnancy or from the mascara.  $21.

Benefit Coralista Blush.  My friend invited me to a Benefit event years ago where we experienced free Benefit Beauty Bar treatments.  I picked up this blush because of the pretty color and nice scent.  The powder has lasted me over 2 years of near daily use!  I have a Michael Mina blush to replace this with when the last of it runs out in the next day or so but I think I might end up going to pick up a new container of Coralista instead. $21.

Garnier BB Cream. When BBs first came out, Garnier had the best reviews and at such a great price, I picked up a tube immediately.  Though I like the light coverage and that it's easier on the skin than foundation or even light powder, I don't love the finish as much now as when I first started using it.  I guess you get what you pay for because I'll be trying out some CC creams when this tube runs out. $12.99.

Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist.  I received this as an Ipsy sample just as my Murad toner ran out. It is fine as a toner but the smell leaves a little to be desired.  I'll be switching from this to Clinique Clarifying Lotion this week because I like witch hazel. $22.

Elta MD UV Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 45. After the Cetaphil moisturizer and sunscreen  ran out, I looked for paraben free sunscreen that would be lightweight, moisturizing, oil free and play well with make-up.  This sunscreen is highly reviewed and meets all the requirements.  So far, it's been great.  Sadly, my puppy got a hold of the tube and squeezed some out (without eating any of it) so I can't tell if this is truly a good value in terms of quantity per cost.  $27.

Benefit Moonbeam Complexion Enhancer.  This Benefit highlighter is the warm skin tone version of their ever popular Highbeam highlighter.  It gives everything it touches a warm, eye catching glow that isn't at all glittery.  This is one of my must haves that I will rebuy after it runs out. $26.

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner.  This eyeliner has the sharpness of a liquid eyeliner with the forgiving nature of a power or pencil eyeliner.  I absolutely love how easily it goes on and how long it lasts.  I don't know if it's the nature of gel liners or just this brand but I am a gel liner convert.   $9.99.

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