Figs In Red Wine With Herbed Goat Cheese Recipes

ORANGES AND FIGS IN SPICED RED WINE

Steps:

• Combine the wine, sugar and bouquet garni in a saucepan large enough to contain the oranges and figs in a single layer. Bring to a simmer, covered, over moderate heat. Add the figs and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the oranges and turn them for 3 to 4 minutes, turning them so they cook evenly. Turn the heat off and let the oranges and figs cool in the syrup.
• Remove them to a serving bowl. Reduce the syrup by half and let cool. Discard bouquet garni and spoon syrup over figs and oranges. Garnish with walnuts or pistachios if you wish.

BROILED FIGS WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Strip the leaves from the bottom of the rosemary stems, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of leaves at the tip.
• Place the stems in a bowl and add cold water to cover; soak for at least 30 minutes.
• Skewer fig halves crosswise on each rosemary stem.
• Arrange the skewers on a plate with the cut sides of the figs facing up.
• In a small bowl, mix together honey and lemon juice.
• Brush the honey/lemon mixture over the cut side of the figs.
• Preheat the broiler to high.
• Broil the figs cut side up until they are lightly browned and softened, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Top with cheese and place back under broiler for 1 minute.
• Serve on the skewers while still hot.

DRIED FIGS IN RED WINE

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
• Put figs in a 3-quart shallow glass or ceramic baking dish. Bring wine with sugar and zests to a boil in a 1-quart heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then pour over figs (figs will not be covered by liquid). Bake figs, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until figs have absorbed about two thirds of liquid and are very tender but still hold their shape, 50 to 60 minutes.
• Put a sheet of parchment directly on figs, pressing them into liquid, then let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
• Serve figs with a bit of their juices and small scoops of ice cream, all drizzled with Sherry vinegar syrup.
• Figs can be made 1 week ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving.

FIGS POACHED IN RED WINE

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until figs are easily pierced with the tip of a sharp paring knife, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• With a slotted spoon, transfer figs to a bowl; simmer remaining liquid until reduced to about 1/3 cup, 3 to 5 minutes (liquid should look syrupy and coat the back of a spoon). Pour through a fine-mesh sieve over figs, and let cool slightly. (If refrigerating, bring to room temperature before serving.) Serve figs and syrup over ice cream or whipped ricotta cheese, if desired.

AUTUMN PEARS WITH HERBED GOAT CHEESE AND FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, toss the pear halves with lemon juice.
• In another bowl, combine the goat cheese with the herbes de Provence or herbes de Napa.
• In a small bowl, stir together the fig preserves with the orange zest.
• Thinly slice pear halves, cutting to but not through the stem ends.
• Fan a pear half on each plate.
• Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of goat cheese and top with 1 tablespoon of fig preserves.