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1
If you have time, you can lightly toast the nuts prior to stuffing the figs.
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2
Select full halves of the nuts for this appetizerthey are prettier.
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3
Lightly toast the nuts in a skillet or on a cookie sheet.
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4
This adds great crunch and maximizes the flavor.
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5
To prep the dried figs: cut the stems off the top and discard.
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6
Open each fig by slicing across the top.
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7
Dont cut all the way through.
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8
Mix goat cheese with the orange zest.
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9
If you need to warm the goat cheese slightly in the microwave, it makes this step easier.
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With a small butter knife or teaspooon, stuff the goat cheese/orange zest mixture in the cavity of the figs.
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11
Add enough so the cheese is visible on the top of the opening.
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12
You cant have too much cheese.
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13
Crown each stuffed fig with a walnut or pecan half.
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14
If you cant find goat cheese, a block of light cream cheese or yogurt cheese (drain plain yogurt of its liquids overnight in the fridge) is a great substitute.
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15
Dates can be substituted for the dried figs, but they are sweeter.
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16
Fresh figs prepared this way are amazing, but hard to come by in my area.
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17
The finished product looks a little like an acorn.
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18
They are really good at room temperature or straight from the fridge if you need to prep them the night before.
