Fig, Almond and Monterey Jack

Indulge in the essence of California’s finest food products with our Fig, Almond, and Monterey Jack pizza—a delightful combination that celebrates the state’s proudest culinary treasures. The naturally sweet and caramel-like flavor of ripe Mission figs complements the nutty taste of roasted almonds and the creamy richness of Monterey Jack cheese. To enhance the medley of flavors, we’ve carefully crafted an Einkorn Dough, known for its nutty undertones, creating the perfect canvas for this pizza masterpiece. As a finishing touch, fresh goat cheese adds a tangy twist, while watercress brings a hint of peppery freshness. This pizza captures the essence of California’s bountiful harvest in every delectable slice, a celebration of local ingredients and harmonious flavor pairings.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (13-ounce/370-gram) ball Einkorn Dough
• Flour, for dusting
• 8 ounces (225 grams) watercress (2 to 3 bunches)
• Olive oil, for sautéing
• Fine sea salt
• 6 ounces (170 grams) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1½ cups)
• 2 large figs, preferably Mission figs, cut into slices 1¼ inch thick
• 1½ ounces (45 grams) fresh goat cheese, preferably Laura Chenel
• 12 salted roasted almonds, slivered
• 1 orange

PREPARATIONS:

1. Preheat the oven with two baking steels or pizza stones to 500°F for 1 hour.
2. Remove the watercress leaves from the stems, ensuring you have about 3 cups of lightly packed leaves.
3. Sauté the watercress leaves in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt until wilted. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Einkorn Dough, following the recipe.
5. Sprinkle a wooden peel with flour and place the dough on it, pushing it out to a 13-inch round with a slightly raised edge.
6. Mound the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on the dough, leaving a border.
7. Broil the pizza on the top steel until the edges are golden brown and slightly blackened.
8. Remove the pizza from the oven and arrange the fig slices on top.
9. Bake the pizza on the bottom steel until the crust is a rich brown.
10. Cut the pizza into 6 wedges and add small bits of goat cheese around the pizza.
11. Sprinkle the pizza with slivered almonds and grate the zest of half of the orange over the top.
12. Finish by scattering watercress over the pizza and sprinkling with salt.

YIELD:

• One 13-inch pizza with 6 slices.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• The Einkorn Dough is less elastic, so push it out gently to avoid tearing.
• Keep a watchful eye on the pizza while broiling, as it can burn quickly.

TIPS:

• Use ripe Mission figs for their sweet and caramel-like flavor.
• Experiment with different types of almonds for added texture and taste.

The Fig, Almond, and Monterey Jack pizza is a tribute to the bounty of California’s culinary wonders, combining the state’s proudest food products into a delectable masterpiece. With sweet and ripe Mission figs, nutty and crunchy almonds, and the creamy richness of Monterey Jack cheese, this pizza is an ode to the rich flavors found in the Golden State’s finest produce. The dough’s distinct taste, infused with the nuttiness of einkorn wheat, provides the perfect canvas to showcase the medley of flavors that dance on each slice.

As the pizza bakes, the figs gently warm up, releasing their sweet caramel essence and enhancing the overall taste profile. The watercress, sautéed to perfection, adds a refreshing touch to the pizza, balancing the richness of the cheese and the earthy goodness of the almonds. The figs, almonds, and cheese come together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors that will captivate your senses from the first bite to the last.

This pizza is a celebration of California’s culinary heritage, embracing the state’s commitment to fresh, quality ingredients that elevate every dish. As you savor the Fig, Almond, and Monterey Jack pizza, you’ll experience the essence of California, where a fusion of cultures and flavors harmoniously coexist, creating a unique culinary experience like no other.