FIG SEASON IS HERE

I absolutely love fresh figs, so of course when in the local farmers market yesterday I saw them bathed in a beautiful color purple I just had to gather some up for that nights desert. Once home I found I had a tub of Mascarpone cheese that just had to be used before it expired so I decided to use it along with these beautifully just picked figs. You could easily replace the Mascarpone with cream cheese. Don't be afraid of the flower flavored waters they are just so wonderful with soft cheeses as well as in cookies and can be found in most supermarkets or make your own!

FIGS WITH MASCARPONE CHEESE

INGREDIENTS :

6 black figs
25g unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 tablespoons of almond flavored liquor or any liquor you desire
1/2 teaspoon of honey
2 teaspoons of rosewater or orange flower water
250 grams of mascarpone cheese
slivered almonds

1. Preheat a broiler or oven to the hottest temp it will go.
2. Quarter the figs, so that they open like flowers, taking care not to cut them all the way through. Place them in a heatproof dish into which they fit comfortably.
3. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then add the cinnamon, vanilla, honey and flower water. Stir to combine and pour onto the figs, save some to serve over the cheese.
4. grill under the broiler or bake in the oven for a few minutes and then serve with some mascarpone or cream cheese over which you drizzle some of the left over syrup.
5. sprinkle with the slivered almonds (pistachio or pine nuts can also be used.

Enjoy!