Four ways with fresh figs
This article was originally published in September 2011
Sweet and sultry, fresh figs are a decadent treat to savor every September. They arrive to us from Maywood Farms in Corning, Calif., where Bob and Karen oversee the entire operation on their family farm. Each individual fig is handpicked and shipped as soon as possible to ensure freshness. A singular fig is splendid all on its own, but figs also add a delightful spark to an array of dishes.
Try these easy suggestions for cooking with figs:
- Stuff figs with goat cheese and chopped almonds; or, leave out the almonds and wrap the stuffed figs in prosciutto.
- Make fig salsa: Combine 2 1/2 cups diced figs; 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 1/2 cup Sultana raisins; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Chill before serving.*
- Top pizza crust or flatbread with chopped figs, red onion slices, arugula and shredded cheese.
- Skewer figs and grill them. Use as a topping for ice cream and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
*Recipe from California Fig Growers Association