Fig And Goat Cheese Crostini

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons minced shallot
• 2 (3-inch) fresh thyme sprigs plus 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/2 turkish or 1/4 california bay leaf
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 lb dried black mission figs, finely chopped (3/4 cup)
• 3/4 cup port
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 (1/2-inch-thick) diagonally cut baguette slices
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 oz soft mild goat cheese at room temperature
• 2 fresh ripe figs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces