Figs And Pears In Honey Food

FIG AND HONEY BITES

Steps:

• Spread crackers with cream cheese spread.
• Top with figs and honey.

GRILLED DESSERT PIZZA WITH PEARS, FIGS, AND HONEY MASCARPONE

Steps:

• Prepare a medium-hot fire (425° to 450°F) in a wood-fired grill.
• Place the pears and figs in a bowl and gently toss with the balsamic vinegar. Grill the pears until marked but not charred on both sides. Lightly grill the cut sides of the figs. Remove from the heat and toss with the 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, then set aside to cool slightly. Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces if desired.
• Combine the honey and mascarpone in a small bowl. Stir in the orange zest and set aside.
• Flour a wood pizza peel; shape each dough ball into an 8- or 10-inch round on the peel. Lightly brush the top of the rounds with olive oil. Take to the grill and flip the rounds, oiled side down onto the grill. Cover and cook until puffed and marked from the grill, about 5 minutes. Turn over, brush with orange olive oil, and top sparingly with the pears and figs. Sprinkle more turbinado sugar over the tops of the pizzas, including the edges. Cook for 5 minutes, until the crust is golden.
• Let cool for 5 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve topped with the mascarpone mixture.

FRESH FIGS WITH MASCARPONE AND WARM SPICED HONEY

Steps:

• Arrange the figs cut-side up among four plates. Use the back of a teaspoon to gently press into the center of the flesh and create a small indentation.
• Add a dollop of mascarpone to the center of each fig half and set plates aside.
• Place honey and spices in a small heat-proof bowl and set over a pan with simmering water. Cook over medium heat, whisking to blend, until the honey is liquefied and warm, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle honey over each fig, garnish plates with mint sprigs, and serve immediately.

BAKED VANILLA PEARS WITH FIGS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Split vanilla bean lengthwise and set one half aside. Scrape seeds from other half into a small saucepan, and add the pod, 1/4 cup sugar, and the water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 10 minutes to infuse vanilla flavor into syrup. Strain and set aside.
• Peel pears, and cut in half lengthwise, leaving stems on. Cut out core, scooping out a little extra flesh. Trim off a little flesh on round side so that halves will lie nicely on a plate.
• In a large saute pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and stir until melted. Add pears, cut side down, and cook until brown, shaking pan occasionally. Turn over and cook a few minutes more. Transfer to a baking dish, and pour vanilla syrup over pears. Add other half of vanilla bean. Slice figs lengthwise and put 1 or 2 slices in center of each pear. Spoon a little syrup over figs and bake until soft and tender, about 30 minutes, depending on ripeness of pears. Serve hot or warm.