Recipe: Appetizer: Brandied Figs and Prosciutto with Strawberry Balsamic

½ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
½ cup olive oil
12 large figs
6 paper-thin slices prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise
¼ cup E&J XO Brandy Vintage Reserve
Freshly ground black pepper

In a small saucepan, stir balsamic and strawberry preserves together until preserves dissolves. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring, until somewhat reduced and thickened - it should coat the bag of a wooden spoon.

Preheat oven to 300F.

Wrap a piece of prosciutto around each fig and place on a baking sheet, with one end of the fig pointing upward. Make a cross-shaped incision in the top of each fig. Drizzle a bit of the Brandy into each incision and over the fig. Sprinkle with black pepper and bake for 10 minutes. While still warm, drizzle with strawberry balsamic and serve.

(Quick Entertaining, feb 2005)