Grilled figs
As a special bonus for Don Burke’s 2UE listeners, try this very easy grilled fig dessert. If you’ve never tried figs before, it’s a wonderful way to get to know them – but dedicated fig fans say nothing beats eating the ripe fruit straight off the tree!
Serves 4
8 ripe figs
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped nuts (eg, almonds or walnuts)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
200mL container thick, Greek-style natural yoghurt
1-2 tablespoons honey
1. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, nuts and cinnamon, and set aside.
2. In another bowl, combine the yoghurt and honey by lightly whisking with a fork, and set aside.
3. Preheat the griller to medium heat while you prepare the figs. To do this, arrange the whole figs on a griller tray and make two cross-cuts from the top to about half-way down in each fig. Gently open up the fig and spoon in some of the brown sugar mixture.
4. Put the figs under the griller – about 15-20cm or 6 to 8 inches away from the heat source is ideal – and keep an eye on them as they cook. About 5 minutes should do – you’ll see the brown sugar melting and bubbling at this stage.
5. Serve two figs per person, with a dollop of honey-yoghurt on the side. Tip: provide a fork and dessertspoon, to make them easy to eat.