tagAlt.Poached Figs with Sweetened Cheese Sauce and Toasted Walnuts

Poached Figs with Sweetened Cheese Sauce and Toasted Walnuts

Superb summer fruit enhanced with creamy, slightly sweet sauce and rich toasted nuts make a memorable summer dessert.

  • ( Scored 5 on 1 reviews )

Nina:

While not the go-to ingredient Stateside, this dessert was worth the small extra hunt for fresh figs. I actually wound up finding them in my local fa...

read all reviews...

You might think you have to turn on your ovens to make a rich cooked fruit dessert.  Brace yourself - we're going to shorten your cooking time in the heat, and provide you with an elegant, resourceful dessert recipe that gets you in and out of the kitchen during the hot summer months.

Figs reign supreme as a summer ingredient in many Mediterranean cuisines, and Italian cooks know how to use these delicate fruits to enhance their natural flavors and those of any accompanying fruits.  We love to use it with recipes featuring apricots, walnuts, sweet cheese, and any other rich tastes to create a lingering flavor to carry you through the notable steamy August days.

While figs might not be the first summer fruit on your family's radar, after making this recipe as a special summer treat, you might find yourself making figs a lot more frequently!

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Ingredients

for 4 servings

Fresh Figs poached in Red Wine

  • Figs 12
  • Red wine 400 ml2
  • Sugar (Granulated) 150 grams
  • Cinnamon Stick 1
  • Orange 1

Classic Soft Cheese Base with Honey

  • Mascarpone cheese 200 grams
  • Honey 50 grams
  • Walnuts 100 grams

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Preparation

for 4 servings

Step

1

Of 3

Prepare and poach the figs

In medium sauce pan, bring red wine, sugar, cinnamon, and orange peel to boiling point. Boil 3-4 minutes.

Lower heat, add figs, cover pot and allow to cook for additional 10-15 minutes, or until figs are softened but not falling apart or overly cooked. Remove from wine, and continue to reduce cooking liquid over low heat until sauce is thick and condensed.

Step

2

Of 3

Prepare the sweetened cheese sauce and walnuts

If you can't find Mascarpone, any softened mild cheese like cream cheese or Neufchàtel will work fine, use equal amount to substitute.  Blend softened cheese with honey in medium bowl, blend thoroughly until mixture is softened and smooth.  If mixture is too thick, add extra honey.

In small sauté pan, lightly toast shelled walnuts.

Step

3

Of 3

Finish the figs and walnuts and serve

In center of serving dish, smooth out serving of cheese mixture, rest cooked figs on top and dress with wine reduction sauce. 

Drizzle with toasted walnuts and serve promptly.

Try it with...

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Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

Vecchio 1833 - Marsala Superiore (Dry) - Florio

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The 'Vecchio Florio' is the real Marsala Superiore, born in the centuries-old cellars and famous all around the world

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...Great Italian Goodies!

Vecchio 1833 - Marsala Superiore (Dry) - Florio

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The 'Vecchio Florio' is the real Marsala Superiore, born in the centuries-old cellars and famous all around the world

View product

Torrebona - Vernaccia of San Gimignano DOCG Wine - Cecchi

0.75l

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Ben Ryé - Passito di Pantelleria DOC, Sicily - Donnafugata

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Vecchio 1833 - Marsala Superiore (Dry) - Florio

0.75l

The 'Vecchio Florio' is the real Marsala Superiore, born in the centuries-old cellars and famous all around the world

View product

Torrebona - Vernaccia of San Gimignano DOCG Wine - Cecchi

0.75l

Cecchi's Vernaccia fine and intense perfume is balanced with just the right freshness and persistency. Pairs well with fish, fresh cheeses and crispy breads.

View product

Ben Ryé - Passito di Pantelleria DOC, Sicily - Donnafugata

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One of the most appreciated Italian sweet wines in the world

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Reviews

Nina Sunday 16th of August 2020

Simple elegance goes a long way

While not the go-to ingredient Stateside, this dessert was worth the small extra hunt for fresh figs. I actually wound up finding them in my local farmer's market, so I think I lucked out. Friends have told me they've seen them in smaller groceries, so they can be unearthed. Once I wrangled them, it was worth every step because this was super easy, and super tasty. Light, filled with sweetness and excellent texture, I'll be sure to keep this around as long as the figs are to be found. Absolutely terrific use of seasonal ingredients, and love the simplicity of the other ingredients. I didn't have to buy anything else but the figs!

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