Ham, Fig and Manchego Tartines

A few weeks back, I catered an event for a New York City fashion designer.  I felt super important. 

Even Countess Luann from Real Housewives of New York was there! I had totally made it.

I was faced with the challenge of making delicious canapes for the event, however, I needed them all to be cold appetizers, as I do not have the equipment to serve hot food on location.

When I saw the recipe for these tartines, I knew they would be stellar.  Salty cured prosciutto, sharp manchego cheese, and sweet and creamy FIG BUTTER.

Say it again. Fig Butter.

This stuff is stellar.  Mix some fig preserves with some butter, put it in the fridge to serve, and eat it ALL. OF. THE. TIME.  This stuff is dangerous. You could eat it by the spoonful.  And then you'll remember that you are eating spoonfuls of butter, get slightly naseous, and then take another bite because it is so good.

But, lo!  There are many potential health benefits to butter:

From Body Ecology:

Butter is rich in the most easily absorbably form of Vitamin A necessary for thyroid and adrenal health.

Contains lauric acid, important in treating fungal infections and candida.

Contains lecethin, essential for cholesterol metabolism.

Has anti-oxidants that protect against weakening arteries.

Is a great source of Vitamins E and K.

Saturated fats in butter have strong anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.

Protects against tooth decay.

Is your only source of an anti-stiffness factor, which protects against calcification of the joints. 

And many more benefits! So go eat away! I'm going to munch on a stick right now. 

This will forever be a go-to sandwich.  They looked prettier when I served them at the event, but for photo purposes, I was running short on time (read: needed to haul ass and get to the event, so why was I sitting in my apartment and taking photos?  Don't worry, I made it an there an hour early. I'm responsible! Hire me!)

Click here for this stellar recipe and remember: Butter is better. With fig.

Comments

[Peggy]

it's true! butter is actually better than the others, they did an article about it in this month's Bon Appetit! By the way, great looking appetizer!!

[Natasha - 5 Star Foodie]

Fabulous appetizer sandwich! I have to try fig butter, sounds really good!

[ABowlOfMush]

I wish I was having this for lunch! Lovely!

[Andrea@WellnessNotes]

What an awesome appetizer! I have recently added a bit of butter back into my life. It's soooo good... :)

[Jennifer]

Wow, very impressive, Teanna!

And I guess, I will never get a stiff knee again, a cavity, etc. etc...good to know, good to know.:)

[VeggieGirl]

What an event!! And I love fig preserves for sure - holy yum.

[Joan Nova]

I'm liking that fig butter and especially the fact that it can easily be made at home and not sought after in some remote, overpriced, gourmet shop. It also gives me the idea of other interesting butters waiting to be made from one's pantry and refrigerator inventory.

[kaytee]

Oh my goodness. Fig butter. I want to have it. Now.

[Eliana]

Hmmmm - these look so elegant and not to mention...DELICIOUS!

[Michele]

Looks and sounds fab. Can't wait to try it!

[Lauryn]

wow, those look great and I'm sure the food was a huge hit at the event! You catered to The Countess!!! Awesome! I am dying to know what else yiou served at the event!

[dawn]

fig butter! yes! I'm glad I was not at that event as I would be that gross person eating these all and not talking to anyone.

[grace]

what sophisticated little bites, and what a promising catering future you have. :)

[CarolPeterman]

By brain went into continuous loop mode when I read the words fig butter.

[Jessica]

LOL - thanks for the benefits of butter.

[The Duo Dishes]

Fig butter is out of this world. Sweet, salty, yummy. Nice idea.

[Gina]

What a unique combination - it sounds great!

[Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction]

Beautiful... and delicious! And... what great benefits to butter! LOL

[Ashley]

MMm thanks for alleviating guilt about eating butter. ;) Fig butter sounds amazing.

[Jessie]

that is a very impressive dish, so elegant and sophisticated!

[Phyllis (me HUNGRY!)]

I knew butter was good for me :) Will definitely have to try it with fig! And super cool that you catered an event with Countess Luann in attendance, DAHLING!

[cheffresco]

Hey congrats! That's awesome!

[Ann]

Seriously. This looks sooooooo good!

[Wendy]

Fig butter sounds awesome! Congrats on the gig.

[Sara]

I think I have found a new love, it is fig butter. Seriously, great find!