Do you enjoy figs? My inlaw’s have a massive fig tree in their backyard and last week when I was down in Canberra, they had been pruning the fig tree so the whole backyard smelt like figs and it inspired me to provide you with a little meal inspiration using figs. Some people like to eat them straight from the tree, some people like them in sweet treats and some people like to mix it up and have them in savoury dishes.
You might like to try my recipe for:
- or maybe Fig, shiraz and cocoa jam {which I realised when I went to write this post that the recipe somehow never came across from my Blogger site}.
1kg fresh figs
750g raw organic sugar
150ml Shiraz
zest of 1 orange
juice of two lemons
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out.
100g 70% chocolate
50g cocoa nibs, finely ground
a tiny pinch of salt
Wash and halve the figs, removing any major blemishes. Place in a heavy based pot and cover with sugar, juice, wine, vanilla and zest. Leave sit for 1 hour.
Slowly bring to the boil, then leave to simmer. Stir from time to time to ensure the base does not burn.
Cook slowly letting the liquid reduce and the flavours develop. For a thicker setting jam, add pectin now and stir through.
Check the consistency of the jam by spooning a little of the syrup onto plate you have stored in the fridge. This will give you and idea of how it will set when cooled.
When the jam reaches the desired consistency, add the chocolate, nibs and salt. Let cool for 15 mins before placing in jars. Place lids on immediately and let cool.
If you’re looking for a little more meal inspiration using figs, then I would recommend checking out these recipes:
- fig and vanilla bean cheesecake from the Hungry Australian
- bacon wrapped figs with herb goats cheese from My Kitchen Stories
- honey and thyme figs with yoghurt and almonds from My Darling Lemon Thyme
- semolina, olive oil and fig slice from Naturally Nutritious
- ricotta and lemon pancakes with fresh figs from Chew Town
If you know of any other delicious fig recipes, please let me know of them in the comments. I am sure that our little online community would be keen to hear about them. What ingredients are inspiring you this month?
Have you ever whipped up a recipe from my blog? I would love for you to let me know…So I don’t feel as if I am just writing all this stuff down for nothing… If you choose to whip up one of my recipes , then I would love for you to share it on social media, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #goodfoodweek.
