Sweet Life Laur

Do you ever feel fancy?  Patent leather Mary Janes when you’re three, tea parties in second grade, senior prom, dinner date in the big city…that kind of fancy.

Spinach is fancy because Popeye eats it, and he’s a cute sailor.  Brie is fancy because it’s creamy and rich.  Figs are fancy because they look like jewels when you slice them open (!!).  This little sandwich made me feel fancy, even as I ate it while driving the three kids I nanny for around in the minivan after soccer camp (I kid you not – I am a soccer mom in training!).

The sad thing about fancy Figs is that not many Americans have ever had fresh ones! This is funny, because Fig Newtons seem to be a beloved snack.  I have a secret: I had my first Fig Newton exactly one week ago.  For most people I know, the opposite is true – they’ve never, ever tried a fresh fig, but have been eating Fig Newtons their whole lives!

Give yourself a little dare this week. Visit your farmer’s market, or Trader Joe’s, and pick up some figs.  They are delicious alone, with cheese, quartered on salads, or drizzled with honey. If you’re feeling extra-brave, leave me a comment with your thoughts!  I dare you – let me know what makes you feel fancy.

Fig, Brie, and Spinach Sandwich
serves 1 – as usual, you can do the math to make more!

- 2-3 ripe figs – they should have the same give as a ripe peach, not too hard and not squishy
- 1.5 ounces Brie
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach, stems trimmed
- bread of your choice – I used pita bread because I had a few left over pitas in the freezer

Slice figs into 1/8 inch slices. Thinly slice Brie.  Layer Brie, Figs, and Spinach on sandwich bread.  Feel Fancy!