Figs in Red Wine with Herbed Goat Cheese

Ingredients:
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 8 fresh (about 1/2 pound) or 12 dried figs, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 (3 1/2-ounce) log goat cheese
- Fresh thyme sprigs, to garnish

Directions:
- Figs: In a nonreactive medium pot combine the wine, honey, and cinnamon.
- Bring to a simmer, over low heat, and cook until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
- Add the figs and cook for 10 minutes.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Remove the cinnamon stick.
- Goat cheese: In a shallow bowl, mix together the walnuts and thyme.
- With damp hands, roll the goat cheese into 1-inch balls.
- Roll the balls into the nut mixture until coated.
- To serve: Spoon the figs into 2 glasses and drizzle with the wine syrup.
- Add the herbed goat cheese and serve.