Breakfast

Georgia Pecan Breakfast Spread

Makes about 1-1/2 cups

8 oz fresh goat cheese or cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted*
1/3 cup chopped dried black mission figs (may substitute other dried fruit varieties, such as apricots, prunes, cranberries, raisins, etc., though I strongly advocate figs)
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
Small pinch of salt

Place all ingredients in a bowl and fold together just until blended. Spread on warm toasted bread or bagel, or refrigerate until serving.

Spread can be made 3-5 days in advance, but should be brought to room temperature before serving.

*Toast pecans for 3 minutes in a 375°F oven or until crisp and fragrant.

Nutrition information per tablespoon spread—calories: 54; protein: 1g; carbohydrate: 5g; saturated fat: 1g; monounsaturated fat: 1g; polyunsaturated fat: .5g; cholesterol: 5mg; sodium: 28mg; fiber: .5g.

Courtesy of Chef Scott Peacock, Watershed Restaurant, Decatur, Ga.