Alice B Toklas Wine Stewed Figs Recipes

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.

ALICE B. TOKLAS' PRUNES WITH CREAM

Steps:

• Soak prunes for 24 hours in 2 cups port. Then add 2 more cups port, the sugar, and vanilla bean. Cook gently for about 1/2 hour. Cool and refrigerate for 3 days.
• To serve, put in a decorative bowl and cover with whipped cream. Sprinkle whipped cream with a thick layer of powdered macaroons and garnish with candied violets.

ALICE B. TOKLAS'S MACEDOINE OF VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Melt 3 tablespoons butter in bottom of a fireproof pot with a well-fitting lid. Saute sliced onions in the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown.
• Split the romaine lettuce hearts lengthwise, rinse under running water and add, without drying, to the pan. Arrange the lettuce halves on top of the onions. Add all carrots, turnips and potatoes.
• Cut remaining cup of butter into chunks and distribute over the vegetables. Cover pan tightly and cook over a low flame for about an hour, or until a knife slides easily into the potatoes. Shake pan occasionally to avoid scorching; there should be sufficient liquid from the lettuce, but if necessary add a very small amount of hot water occasionally.
• Add asparagus, peas and beans to pan. Add salt and pepper, cover again and cook 15 minutes longer, or until beans are tender. Serve immediately.