California Mission figs are a unique and highly prized variety of figs that are renowned for their rich flavor and succulent texture. These figs are grown primarily in our sunny state of California, where the climate and soil conditions provide an ideal environment for their cultivation. Here are some interesting facts: Figs are members of...Read More
This buttery, rich cake has a moist, slightly dense texture. It’s lovely with brunch, as a dessert, or served with tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese (drained to be as dry as possible) 1...Read More
A comforting grilled ham and cheese sandwich turns divine with a figgy relish and other quality ingredients. You can interpret this sandwich any way you like, but I am fond of it with thin slices of prosciutto and buttery Toma cheese, a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese from the Aosta region of Italy. Sprinkle with a...Read More
This tangy-sweet relish is great to keep on hand for making quick appetizers — spread toasty crostini with a little fresh mascarpone or soft goat cheese and top with a dab of chutney. It’s delicious served with roasted lamb or baked ham, too. INGREDIENTS: 5 cups red wine vinegar 1 pound light brown sugar 2...Read More
This late summer dish features chicken that is pan-seared in a skillet and then braised in the oven with a fresh fig sauce. Easy and delicious! INGREDIENTS: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 2 shallots, peeled and finely sliced 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped...Read More
INGREDIENTS: 12 fresh, ripe medium figs 1/4 cup honey 4 cups port wine pinch of salt 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 lemons, zested 2 oranges, zested 2 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise 8 peppercorns Honeyed Cream ½ cup heavy cream ½ cup sour cream 1 tablespoon honey Mint leaves, for garnish METHOD:...Read More
INGREDIENTS: Crust 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1/2 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon almond extract 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt 1 1/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon unbleached, all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons ground unblanched almonds Butter a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom; set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place sugar in a...Read More
INGREDIENTS: 12 fresh California Mission figs, washed and dried 1 vanilla bean, split and opened 1 cup Amaretto liqeuer 1 cup filtered water 1 cup sugar METHOD: Cut figs in half, lengthwise. Fill a large, wide-mouth canning jar with the fig halves. Place vanilla bean on top. Set aside. In a large saucepan, combine amaretto,...Read More
Want to know how to determine if a fig is ripe? A ripe fig will be soft to the touch and may exude a tiny bit of juice from the stem. INGREDIENTS: 10 fresh figs, Black Mission or Calimyrna, cut in half through the stem 10 strips sliced bacon,* cut in half for 20 short...Read More
