A bite of Spain that will almost make 

you feel like you're in Valencia

Cue up that flamenco playlist and put on your most vibrant apron - it’s time to throw together the easiest tapas ever.

There’s no extra fuss needed when you start with gorgeous, quality ingredients, so you’ll have time for a siesta (or extra glass of sangria) before guests arrive.

Lavender-infused Plum & Manchego Cheese Toasts

The rich, nutty profile of manchego cheese is the perfect companion for sherry-soaked plums, finished with a lavender-infused glaze. Can’t find manchego at your grocery store? Oka, old cheddar and asiago also match up flavour-wise and will melt nicely. 

Ingredients

200g Manchego cheese

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 plums, halved, pitted and sliced

2 teaspoons dried lavender (culinary grade)

1/2 cup Spanish sherry

2 teaspoons Kraft Fig Balsamic with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salad Dressing

12 slices French baguette

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to broil (500°F/260°C).

  2. Slice cheese into 12 pieces, set aside.  

  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan on medium high heat and place lavender and plums in pan.  

  4. Let plums simmer for 1-3 minutes until slightly softened.

  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, add sherry and Kraft Fig Balsamic dressing, stirring gently for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

  6. Put sliced baguette onto a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil and top each piece with a slice of cheese.

  7. Place baking sheet on middle rack of oven and broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese begins to melt and bread turns slightly golden, being careful not to let the baguette slices burn. 

  8. Remove from oven and place 1-2 pieces of plum on each baguette slice, drizzling liberally with remaining glaze from the pan. 

Serves 4

Chef’s Tip: On hot summer nights when turning on the oven is less desirable, use a kitchen torch (the kind you use for creme brulée) to get your toasts melted.

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