Figs In Port Recipes

BAKED FIGS IN PORT

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Prick each fig with a fork in a few places and place them in a single layer standing on end in a shallow baking dish.
• Pour wine over.
• Bake, basting often with wine, until figs are puffed and tender, 25-30 minutes.
• To serve, arrange 3 figs in a serving dish.
• Spoon a little of the wine over and drizzle each serving with 1/2 teaspoon of honey, or more, to taste.
• Garnish with raspberries and pass the whipped cream.

FIGS POACHED IN PORT

Steps:

• Combine the port sugar, vanilla pods and seeds, cinnamon, orange peel and peppercorns in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer until the liquid has the consistency of a light syrup, about 20 minutes. You will have about 1 1/2 cups of syrup. Add the figs and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and cool the figs in the syrup. Serve the figs in a bowl with their juices spooned over.

SPICED FIGS IN PORT

Steps:

• Rinse figs, cover with water and simmer 20 minutes. Drain, reserving the liquid. Return one cup of the cooking liquid to the pan, along with the remaining ingredients and simmer briefly, just until the sugar dissolves.
• Return figs to the pan and simmer 10 minutes longer. Cover and allow to stand overnight in syrups.
• Transfer to clean jars or containers and refrigerate or reheat to boiling, transfer to clean, hot, 16-ounce canning jars, process 15 minutes in a boiling water bath and seal with new lids according to manufacturer's directions.

PORK LOIN WITH FIG AND PORT SAUCE

Steps:

• For the sauce: In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the first 6 ingredients. Boil over medium-high heat until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Discard the herb sprigs and cinnamon sticks (some of the rosemary leaves will remain in the port mixture). Transfer the port mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Blend in the butter. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)
• For the pork: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Stir the oil, rosemary, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a small bowl to blend. Place the pork loin in a heavy roasting pan. Spread the oil mixture over the pork to coat completely. Roast until an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the pork registers 145 degrees F, turning the pork every 15 minutes to ensure even browning, about 45 minutes total.
• Transfer the pork to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Let the pork rest 15 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the chicken broth into the roasting pan. Place the pan over medium heat, and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits. Bring the pan juices to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Using a large sharp knife, cut the pork crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange the pork slices on plates. Spoon the jus over. Drizzle the warm fig sauce around and serve immediately.