Fig Jam, Brie, and Chicken Sandwich

The first time I heard about fig jam I automatically thought to myself  "I will never eat that."

Then I did... now I'm in love. Story of my life.

I first had it at Earls Restaurant. I went there for lunch one day by myself for the first time, which is also something I started doing in the past year (turns out I love solo dining, too). It was just past dining hour so the place wasn't busy at all, the sun was shining, and I had just purchased a new book which I was excited to begin. I ordered a glass of wine, the first glass of wine I have ever ordered, sat back and took in the atmosphere. I was feeling good, and a little adventurous, so I decided to go for the Chicken and Brie Sandwich that my mom once highly recommended to me. The sandwhich has grilled chicken, spinach, apples, fig jam, Brie, and garlic aioli on a toasted ciabatta bun. It might sound gross to you, like it did at first to me, but I'm glad I took the chance on it. The many different flavours on the sandwich meld together so well, which totally surprised me.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between fig jam and I. We often invite Brie over to play, too.

This is my version of that sandwich.

You will need:

Bread of choice
Chicken
Spinach
Fig Jam
Brie Cheese
Honey Mustard
Garlic Infused Olive Oil

I used Rye bread for my sandwich. This is the only wooden cutting board in the house. I miss wood. This is my lame attempt at bringing wood back into my life.

 Add some Brie. However much you like. And fig jam. Pretty sure a smile spreads across my face whenever I open that bottle.

Spinach. Good stuff.

Chicken breast. I used the leftovers from one of those rotisserie chickens I bought in the deli.

Instead of using butter on the outside of the bread, I used "garlic infused" olive oil. I didn't buy it in the store, all I did was add some garlic powder to a bit of olive oil and brushed it on. Sometimes you just gotta improvise!

Grill on a panini press or sandwich maker. This machine is neither of those, but works just as well. Grill until cheese is melted and gooey and bread is desired brown colour.

Yes.

Sticky, sweet fig jam + warm, salty Brie = a match made in Heaven. Chicken, spinach, and honey mustard are a nice bonus.

I would totally understand, however, if you opt to exclude the latter ingredients. I often just make a grilled cheese style sandwich with fig jam and Brie, and a brush of olive oil on the outside. A simpler version, but just as wonderful.