Grilled Brie and Pear with Fig Spread

If you think lunch has to be boring, then think again.  And don't believe for a minute that 'not boring' needs to be complicated.    Five, count them, just five ingredients, a skillet, and less than 20 minutes and you have a lunch that is lick-your-fingers-good.  It's the perfect sandwich for this time of year when the weather turns chilly and when juicy ripe pears are plentiful.  If you're looking for a way to use up all of the apples from your apple picking trip, go ahead and use your apples instead of pears, it will be just as delicious - I promise.

                                                                                                                Recipe developed for Dalmatia

photo: Paul Gelsobello Studio

To start, you're going to spread some fig spread on whole grain bread.  I always use Dalmatia, it's definitely my favorite, filled with delicious sweet fig flavor.  I used the Original when I made this, but they also have a Fig Orange spread that has a great orange zest note if you feel like changing things up a bit. 

And FYI, Dalmatia recently came out with a Fig Cocoa spread, that is nothing short of amazing. I wouldn't use it on this sandwich, but feel free to grab a spoon and eat it straight from the jar.

photo: Paul Gelsobello Studio

Back to the sandwich.  Make sure you use a nice hearty whole grain bread here so it can stand up to the intense flavor from the brie and fig jam. Pile on the pear and brie slices.

Eiffel Tower Triple Creme is my go-to for Brie, it's creamy and buttery with a subtle sweetness.  I leave the rind on because I like the contrasting flavor, but go ahead and remove it if you find that flavor too strong.








You don't need perfect pears for this, in fact, if they're just a little overripe they'll be even better  because they'll soften up quickly and be just that much sweeter.

Melt some unsalted butter in your skillet and grill these sandwiches until the bread is crisp and crusty outside and  the cheese turns into melty goodness, the pears soften and the fig spread oozes all over the pears.  Pure deliciousness in every single bite.



These sandwiches are good enough to pull off for dinner.  Pair with a salad or soup and you've got a super easy weeknight meal.

Grilled Brie and Pear with Fig Spread

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Makes 2 sandwiches

4 slices whole grain bread 
1/4 cup Dalmatia Fig Spread - Original 
1 pear, thinly sliced 
4 ounces sliced Eiffel Tower Brie Cheese 
2 tablespoons butter 

Spread each slice of bread with 1 tablespoon Fig Spread. Arrange half of the pear slices on 1 bread slice then top with half of the brie. Place bread slice on top and press firmly. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 2 sandwiches.

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add sandwiches and cook, covered, 8 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted, turning once.