Chocolate Figs

 1 12 oz container Dried Figs

1/2 cup Brandy

8 oz Dark Chocolate

Using a tooth pick or a small skewer poke the figs all over.  Soak figs in Brandy for few hours or over night, covered.

Melt chocolate over double boiler.  Remove melted chocolate off the heat.  

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.  Dip each fig in melted chocolate and place on prepared baking sheet.  Once all done, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes, until chocolate sets.

Makes about 25-30 figs.

*Adult only candy :)

 Last year Trader Joe's carried Chocolate Covered Figs.  I could not have enough of those delicious treats.  So I could not wait for this Christmas season to have them again.  Was very sad to find out that they were no longer available.  So decided to recreate it myself.

They turned out pretty good.  You could definitely taste Brandy, but in a very delicate way.

Would make an excellent holiday gift!!!

Banana Fig Bread

1/2 cup Solid Vegetable Shortening

3/4 cup Sugar

2 Eggs

2 Ripe Bananas, mashed

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 cup Flour

1/4 cup Flax Seed Meal

Pinch of Cinnamon and Nutmeg

1/2 cup Figs, thinly sliced

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Oil and flour a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.

Using electric mixer, cream the shortening and sugar.  With the mixer running, add the eggs one at a time.  Add the banana and mix well.  Add all the dry ingredients and sliced figs and mix well. 

Pour the dough into the prepared pan.  Bake for about one hour, until the bread is golden brown.

*Goes well with Hot Tea or Coffee...

Flax Seed Meal is rich in fiber, lignans, and Omega-3 fats.

Caramelized Fig Sundae

4 Figs, cut in half

1 tablespoon Brown Sugar

1 tablespoon Butter

Pinch of Salt

2 scoops Ice Cream

1 tablespoon  Toasted Almonds

Preheat a skillet to medium heat. Melt butter and brown sugar, and add a pinch of salt.  Place figs cut side down into a skillet and cook for about 5 minutes.

Arrange the ice cream in a bowl, place figs around it, and pouring all the sauce over the figs. Top it with sliced almonds and enjoy....

Serves 2

Pear and Fig Salad

6 Fresh Figs, sliced

1 Pear, sliced

2 oz Gorgonzola Cheese

1 teaspoon Lemon Juice

1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar

1 teaspoon Honey

1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt, Pepper to taste

In  a bowl, add the sliced fruit.  Pour lemon juice, balsamic, honey, and olive oil over the fruit. Then, season with salt and fresh cracked peppe and toss together. Transfer to a serving plate and crumble cheese over the top.

Serves 3-4

*Enjoy with Wine and Friends!

Caramelized Figs

8 Figs, cut in half

2 tablespoons Butter

1 tablespoon Brown Sugar

Pinch of Salt

3 oz Gorgonzola Cheese

In a skillet melt butter on a medium heat. Add brown sugar and using a whisk stir it for about 2 minutes, until sugar dissolves. Add a pinch of salt. Put figs in the skillet cut side down and cook for 5-7 minutes.

Move the figs on a platter and pour butter sauce right over them.

Crumble Gorgonzola over the top.

Serves 3-4

*Perfect as an appetizer. Goes well with wine...