Fig & Goat Cheese Spread

 makes 8 appetizer portions

4 oz dried figs (about 8 figs), quartered, you can cut stems off if you want

1 Tablespoon butter

1 cup thinly sliced onion

1 teaspoon snipped fresh thyme (I used dried and it was fine)

1 Tablespoon blasamic vinegar

6 oz goat cheese

Assorted crackers

1. Place figs in a medium saucepan; cover with water; bring to boiling; reduce heat; simmer, covered for 5 minutes.  Drain well; cool slightly.

2. In a skillet melt butter over medium heat; add onion.  Cook and stir about 5 minutes or until brown.  Stir in drained figs and thyme.  Cook, stirring gently, about 2 minutes or until slightly softened.  Stir in balsamic vinegar.  Cook for 2 or 3 minutes more or until glazed.

3. To serve, place goat cheese on a serving plate.  Spoon the fig mixture over cheese. Serve with crackers.  (I think it would be a good idea if you put the cheese in a casserole dish, covered with fig stuff & put whole thing in the oven for a bit before serving so that it stays warm longer.)