Baked Figs With Grappa Food

BAKED FIGS WITH GRAPPA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• With a paring knife, partially cut open the figs in half making sure to keep the fig intact. Add 1 to 2 almonds in each fig and press together to close.
• Place the figs in a baking dish and sprinkle with sugar. Add the remaining almonds and grappa to the baking dish. Bake the figs for 20 minutes, or until the figs are slightly golden.

BAKED FIGS WITH CHOPPED PISTACHIOS IN MASCARPONE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• For each fig, cut a cross over the stem end, just deep enough to gently squeeze the fig open. Place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the honey and mascarpone in a bowl. Coarsely chop the pistachio nuts, and then add them to the bowl. Remove figs from the oven. Place on a serving plate and top with mascarpone mixture. Garnish with cinnamon and grated dark chocolate.

BAKED FIGS WITH GORGONZOLA AND AGED BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Steps:

• Cut figs in half, then stuff with a teaspoon of cheese and cover with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Bake in 350-degree oven until warm, about 3 to 4 minutes. Mix oil and vinegar to make a dressing and toss with the mesclun salad. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the salad on the plate with the figs.

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.

CORNMEAL AND FIG CAKE WITH PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter 8-inch-diameter cake pan with 2-inch-high sides. Beat egg yolks and sugar in large bowl. Bring milk, grappa, and salt to boil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk hot milk mixture into egg yolk mixture. Return to saucepan. Whisk in polenta. Whisk over medium-high heat until mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 8 minutes.
• Fold figs, raisins, pine nuts, and fennel seeds into polenta mixture. Pour into prepared cake pan.
• Bake cake until golden brown, set in center, and beginning to pull away from sides of pan, about 40 minutes. Cool in pan 20 minutes. Cut around pan sides and invert cake onto platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.