Black Mission Figs With Toasted Pistachios And Whipped Mascarpone Recipes

WARM BLACK MISSION FIG, WALNUT CRUNCH, AND BLUE CHEESE TARTLETS

Steps:

• For walnut crunch:
• Stir honey, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt in medium skillet over medium heat until sugar melts. Cook until mixture boils and is deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Mix in walnuts. Pour out onto sheet of foil; cool completely. Chop walnut crunch into small pieces. Do ahead Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
• For figs and pastry:
• Stir 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and salt in heavy large skillet over medium heat until sugar is evenly moist. Cook until sugar begins to turn golden, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes (mixture may be granular). Place figs in sugar mixture, cut side down, and cook until figs begin to release juice, about 3 minutes. Add butter; swirl skillet to melt. Remove skillet from heat. Add Port and let stand 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer figs to plate and cool. Return syrup to boil, whisking until smooth. Cool syrup completely. Do ahead Figs and syrup can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill. Rewarm syrup before using.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with foil. Roll out thawed puff pastry on lightly floured surface to 12x8-inch rectangle. Using 3 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out 6 rounds; arrange on prepared sheet. Divide walnut crunch among pastry rounds. Top each with 3 fig halves, cut side up.
• Bake tartlets until pastry is puffed and golden, about 30 minutes. Do ahead Tartlets can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm at 350°F for 8 minutes.
• Arrange cheese atop warm tartlets. Brush or drizzle with warm Port syrup, then top with cube of honeycomb or drizzle with honey.

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 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.

ROASTED MISSION FIGS WITH HONEY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F. Rinse the figs and pat them dry, then cut off the stems and, without cutting through the base, halve them from top to bottom. Set the figs upright in a dish just big enough to hold them snugly.
• Melt the butter in a small skillet with the salt, honey, and cinnamon, then spoon it over the figs.
• Bake until the sauce is bubbling and the fruit is heated through, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.