Fresh fig summer salad

If you have never had fresh figs you are missing a delight that is only in season for a short time.   This salad has a delicate balance that starts with the delicate sweetness of fresh figs and combines it with, salty, bitter and sour that is topped off with the creaminess of the manchego.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb fresh green figs
1/4 lb manchego
4 oz prosciutto
12 oz baby european greens, spinach or other slightly bitter salad mix
2 T balsamic vinegar
2 T honey
2 T spicy mustard

DIRECTIONS

1)  wash greens and empty into bowl

2)  cut prosciutto into thin strips and sprinkle over greens

3)  quarter figs and spread on greens

4)  mix honey, mustard and balsamic and drizzle over salad

5)  shave manchego over top of salad

6)  serve immediately


NOTES

If you are unable to get fresh figs you might want to try bartlett pears and make certain to use fruit fresh or a lemon water mixture to avoid browning.

If prosciutto is unavailable or not desired I would try anchovies.  Ham would give a similar flavor but would not be as salty