Today's Recipe: It's a Fig Thing

shel · #1 06-19-2007, 10:56 PM

I've loved fresh figs ever since I had my first one in 1969, plucked from an old fig tree that was growing wild on the side of Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. Fresh figs should be appearing in the markets pretty soon, if not already available, so here's a little something that may dress 'em up for a nice dessert or snack.

Fresh Figs with Orange, Ginger Sauce: You'll need about a dozen fresh figs, a cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice (organic valencias are nice and juicy), a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh ginger, and one star anise.

Cut the figs open lengthwise. Simmer OJ, ginger, and star anise together on med-high heat for about 20 minutes, or until volume is reduced by about half. Strain sauce, discarding all but liquid. Drizzle sauce over figs.

The sauce can be chilled before serving with the figs. You want the sauce to be the consistency of light syrup when done. Check the taste as it reduces. If it doesn't reduce long enough it will taste weak and flat, and it won't coat the figs. It will get thicker as it cools if you decide to serve it cold.

Shel

Ishbel · #2 06-20-2007, 02:23 AM

Nice sounding sauce!

cookie jim · #3 06-20-2007, 08:47 AM

Shel; who has star anise layin around? I do! finally another way to use it in something other than a marinade...yea. I'm going to post a new thread on dried figs soon as I finish this. Give a look please...good cookin...cookie...by the way folks,star anise can usually be bought in health food stores,some health food places sell bulk foods and you can get just what you need and you won't have a big bag in your spice bin like me, geesh...lol.

cookie jim · #4 06-20-2007, 08:48 AM

Shel; who has star anise layin around? I do! finally another way to use it in something other than a marinade...yea. I'm going to post a new thread on dried figs soon as I finish this. Give a look please...good cookin...cookie...by the way folks,star anise can usually be bought in health food stores,some health food places sell bulk foods and you can get just what you need and you won't have a big bag in your spice bin like me, geesh...lol.

shel · #5 06-20-2007, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cookie jim

Shel; who has star anise layin around? I do! finally another way to use it in something other than a marinade ... by the way folks,star anise can usually be bought in health food stores,some health food places sell bulk foods and you can get just what you need and you won't have a big bag in your spice bin like me, geesh...lol.

Hi Jim,

Star anise seems to be pretty common around here, although it may only seem that way because of where I shop. There are two types of star anise - Chinese and Japanese. It's been recommended that the Chinese variant be used, and here's why: FDA Issues Advisory on Star Anise "Teas"

Although this bulletin is a few years old, I think the issues it addresses are still valid.

Kind regards,

Shel

Ishbel · #6 06-20-2007, 09:25 AM

Anyone over this side of the pond who cooks Chinese or Thai food always has star anise in the pantry... I do!

tigerwoman · #7 06-22-2007, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ishbel

Anyone over this side of the pond who cooks Chinese or Thai food always has star anise in the pantry... I do!

guess that is true on both sides of the pond then

also it makes a pretty garnish on trays for catering.