Spiced Figs Recipes

SWEET PICKLED FIGS WITH CINNAMON, ALLSPICE, CLOVE & CARDAMOM

Steps:

• Prepare figs by rinsing; cut extremely large figs in half, or pierce smaller whole figs a few times. Brind a large pot of water to a boil. Remove pot from heat and gently place prepared figs into hot water. Let the figs sit for five minutes then drain.
• While figs are steeping in hot water, place sugar, vinegar, water and spices in a large stockpot. Over medium high heat, bring mixture to a boil. Once mixture boils, reduce heat to a simmer and place drained figs into the simmering syrup carefully.
• Adjust heat to maintain a strong, but gentle simmer. Simmer figs in syrup for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Ladle figs, syrup and spices (if so desired) into clean jars. Place prepared lids and rings on jars and screw finger tight. Process in a water bath canner for 15 minutes for pints or 25 minutes for quarts. Remove from canner and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
• Check lids for seal and loosen or remove rings. Store in a cool, dark cabinet for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening.

FIGS IN SPICED SYRUP

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Bring the sugar and 1 cup water to a simmer in a medium saucepan (it should be large enough to hold all the figs). Stir as needed to dissolve the sugar.
• Add the half of a cinnamon stick and whatever other spices you choose to use (or all of them!) and simmer the syrup for about 10 minutes.
• Trim off and discard the stems from the figs.
• Put the figs in the syrup. Simmer about 5 minutes. Don't cook them too long, or they will completely fall apart.
• Remove the figs from the syrup and let the figs and syrup cool separately for about 15 minutes (if you leave the figs in, they will soften and start to fall apart a bit, so if that sounds good, leave them in!).
• Once slightly cooled off, strain the syrup, discard the spices, and pour the syrup back over the figs.

SPICED FIGS

Steps:

• Sprinkle soda over figs, pour boiling water over figs and allow to stand for 5 minutes.
• Drain.
• Mix syrup ingredients.
• Lemon chunks may be added (I don't use).
• Whole Ginger may be used also (I don't use).
• Bring to boil, add figs and boil for 10 minutes.
• Boil figs in syrup 10 minutes for 3 days.
• On 3rd day can in sterilized jars.
• Note: for 12 quarts of figs, use 10 pounds of sugar.

SPICED BAKED FIGS WITH GINGER MASCARPONE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Lay the figs in an ovenproof roasting dish, dot over the butter and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle over the sugar and cinnamon, then pour over the orange juice and mix lightly. Nestle the star anise amongst the figs and roast for 15-20 minutes.
• When ready to serve, mix the ginger and syrup through the mascarpone. Place 4 fig halves, drizzled with syrup, on a plate with a dollop of mascarpone and some shortbread fingers.

SPICED FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Finely chop lemon in processor. Add figs. Using on/off turns, process until figs are coarsely pureed. Transfer mixture to heavy large saucepan. Add 2 1/4 cups sugar, cinnamon stick, 2 1/4 teaspoons minced ginger and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. Simmer until mixture thickens to jam consistency and candy thermometer registers 200°F, stirring often, about 20 minutes. Discard cinnamon stick. Divide hot preserves among hot clean jars. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 2 months.

SPICED FIG PRESERVES

Steps:

• Finely chop lemon in processor. Add figs.
• Using on/off switch, process until figs are coarsely pureed.
• Transfer mixture to heavy large saucepan. Add sugar, cinnamon stick, minced ginger and ground cloves.
• Simmer until mixture thickens to jam consistency and candy thermometer registers 200°F, stirring often, about 20 minutes.
• Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick.
• Divide hot preserves among hot clean jars. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 2 months.
• This is great for holiday gifts. Excellent served with crackers and cheese, and can also be served with meats, especially pork and ham.

POACHED FIGS IN SPICED HONEY SYRUP

Steps:

• Combine water, sugar and honey in heavy large skillet. Stir over low heat until sugar and honey dissolve. Add allspice, cloves and juniper berries. Bring to simmer. Add figs, cover and simmer until figs are just tender, about 20 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer figs to bowl. Chill until cold.
• Bring cooking liquid to boil. Boil until reduced to syrup consistency, about 5 minutes. Strain. Cool.
• Arrange figs in dessert goblets. Drizzle syrup over. Garnish with mint and serve.