Balsamic Poached Figs Food

HONEY POACHED FIGS

Steps:

• In a small or medium saucepan that's large enough to hold the figs, heat water, honey, and sugar (and vanilla and cinnamon, if using) on medium-high. Cook until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-low and add figs. Let simmer until tender but not mushy, 5-10 minutes, turning them occasionally so that each side is poached evenly. Using a slotted spoon, transfer figs to a bowl. Let the water-honey liquid continue simmering on medium-low heat until liquid reduces and thickens to a syrup consistency, about 15 more minutes. Let cool.
• Once the figs have cooled slightly, remove stems and cut in half.
• Keep sauce and figs in the refrigerator until ready to use. Serve at room temperature.
• Arrange figs and serve as desired. Figs can be served either a dollop of whipped cream, mascarpone, crème fraiche, or yogurt, or alongside desserts such as cake, cheesecake, or crepes. Drizzle with syrup.

ROASTED CHICKEN WITH POLENTA AND BALSAMIC-POACHED FIGS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 300 degrees. Place chicken on a baking sheet and gently peel back skin from chicken pieces without detaching it completely. Heat until the meat is warm and the skin is crisp, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine polenta and water in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Break up polenta with a wooden spoon, then stir continuously until creamy and heated through. Season with salt, spoon onto serving plates, and top with chicken.
• In a small pot, combine chicken "jus," figs, and fig syrup; whisk until combined. Reduce slightly over medium-low heat. Season with pepper. Pour over chicken. Garnish with parsley.

VANILLA PORT POACHED FIGS WITH HONEY CREAM

Steps:

• Trim a small piece from the bottom of each fig so they stand up straight. Remove stems, and score a 1/4 inch "X" into the top of each fig. Set aside.
• In a bowl, beat whipping cream together with sour cream until stiff peaks form. (This can be done either by hand, or with an electric mixer.) Gently fold in 1/4 cup of honey and a pinch of salt. Cover, and refrigerate.
• Pour port into a small saucepan over medium high heat. Add cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, cloves, 1 tablespoon honey, vanilla extract, balsamic vinegar, and lemon and orange zests. Stir to dissolve honey and blend flavors. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for up to 30 minutes, or as time allows, being careful not to reduce liquid too much. Place figs upright in pan, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
• To serve, place a spoonful of honey cream in the center of each plate. Arrange 3 figs around the cream, and drizzle with a small amount of poaching liquid. Tuck a sprig of mint into the slit on the top of each fig. Serve immediately.

GORGONZOLA FIGS WITH BALSAMIC GLAZE

Steps:

• For glaze, in a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil over medium heat; cook until reduced to about 1/4 cup., Cut a lengthwise slit down the center of each fig; fill with 1-1/2 teaspoons cheese. Wrap each with a piece of prosciutto; place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with rosemary and pepper. , Bake at 425° for 10-12 minutes or until prosciutto is crisp. Serve warm with glaze.

BALSAMIC-POACHED FIGS

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, heat sugarand 1/2 cup water until sugar dissolves.Add vinegar, orange juice,thyme, and spices and bring toa boil. Reduce until slightly thickened,about 5 minutes. Transferto a medium heat-proof bowl andadd figs. Let cool completely.

WINE-POACHED FIGS

Steps:

• Trim and halve the figs, place in a saucepan with the wine, sugar, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the wine is reduced by half and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the thyme sprigs. Serve on top of an assertive cheese, such as Manchego, blue, Taleggio, or a triple cream spread over bread slices.