One Late-Summer Treasure, Sweet Ways to Enjoy It
Jammy and luxurious, Caramelized Maple Figs spotlight the flavors of September.
The first time I ate a fresh fig by itself, I wasn’t super impressed.
What’s all the fuss about, I wondered?
Not to be dramatic, but I was nothing short of besotted after tasting one that was served to me as an appetizer in a cozy restaurant in northern California on a rainy September afternoon many years ago.
The figs were sliced thin on a warm, buttered baguette with a knob of creamy cheese and drizzle of honey, and I was sold on the spot. It was heavenly.
Perfectly ripe and lovely Mission Figs in all their glory appeared at our Farmer’s Market last weekend.
I was lured by their deep purple color and perfect shape, so I picked up a basket, without a plan in mind of how to prepare them.
Rich and honey-sweet with just a trace of berry and caramel, these little gems feel like summer’s parting gift.
These last golden days of summer always feel bittersweet to me, and this one special seasonal ingredient captures it’s essence perfectly. (My buddy thinks so too.)
So here’s a couple of ideas that are sweet, savory and surprisingly simple.
There’s nothing complicated here— the figs are sliced in half and sauteed in a skillet with a little butter and maple syrup until they turn golden brown and caramelized, just about 5 minutes.
The butter softens the figs while the maple syrup melts into them, adding a smoky, toffee-like sweetness that makes the whole skillet smell incredible.
A spoonful over thick, tangy yogurt with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt tastes downright indulgent.
The other way I loved eating these figs was with a scatter of granola on top for crunch. Trader Joe’s makes an excellent grainless granola, and the salty nuts give a nice balance to the sweetness of the fruit.
These ideas are easy enough for breakfast on a Tuesday morning, or pretty enough for dessert.
Here’s to soaking up every last drop of summer! Have a wonderful week.
CARAMELIZED MAPLE FIGS
Rich and delicious, these buttery maple figs taste amazing on just about anything.
Ingredients
1 Teaspoon Butter
2-3 Tablespoons pure Maple Syrup
8-12 ounces fresh Mission Figs, washed, dried, sliced in half length-wise
Plain Greek yogurt
Flaky Sea Salt (like Maldon)
Granola (try Trader Joe’s Grainless Granola)
More maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Directions
In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the butter and the maple syrup.
Add the figs, cut sides down, and cook over medium heat until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes, then spoon over plain Greek yogurt and top with flaky sea salt, granola, or both.
Drizzle with additional maple syrup, of desired.
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