Endive with Figs, Blue Cheese, and Pecans

1. 1Heat the oven to 400°F. Melt butter in a medium sauté pan over medium heat until foaming. Add pecans, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Cook, stirring often, until sugars dissolve and mixture bubbles. Turn mixture onto a piece of aluminum foil or waxed paper, set in a dry place, and let cool.
2. 2Quarter figs lengthwise, toss in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, place on a baking sheet, and roast in the oven until just soft, about 10 minutes.
3. 3Trim off the bottoms of the endive and separate the heads into leaves. Choose the best 24 leaves (do not use the hearts). Place 1 fig quarter and 1 teaspoon of the blue cheese on each leaf. Top with a pecan and serve.

Beverage pairing: Hartley & Gibson’s Amontillado, Spain. This simple, off-dry amontillado sherry complements every part of the dish (except the endive) without overly asserting itself. It has to have enough sweetness to handle the maple syrup and the nuttiness to work with the cheese and pecans. Serve it slightly chilled.