Sweet Gorgonzola with Fig-Orange Compote

• BASIC-EASY
• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 small orange
2. 1/3 pound dried Black Mission figs, coarsely chopped
3. 1 teaspoon sugar
4. 1/2 cup dry red wine
5. 3 thyme sprigs, wrapped in cheesecloth and tied in a bundle
6. 1 cup water
7. 1 pound Gorgonzola dolce cheese

1. Using a small, sharp knife, peel the orange, removing all of the bitter white pith. Working over a small bowl, cut in between the membranes, releasing the sections into the bowl. Squeeze the juice from the membranes into the bowl and add the figs and sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange-fig mixture, the wine, thyme and water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes. Discard the thyme and let cool completely. Serve the fig-orange compote alongside the Gorgonzola.