Fresh Figs with Mascarpone and Warm Spiced Honey

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Photo: Elizabeth Germain

This healthy dessert utilizes fresh figs -- a nutrient-rich fruit popular in Europe and brought to California in the late 18th Century by Spanish Franciscan missionaries.

Ingredients

  • 8 small (or 4 large) fresh, ripe figs, stems trimmed, halved lengthwise

  • cup mascarpone, softened

  • cup mild honey

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • teaspoon ground cardamom

  • teaspoon ground allspice

  • 4 sprigs fresh mint

Directions

  1. Arrange the figs cut-side up among four plates. Use the back of a teaspoon to gently press into the center of the flesh and create a small indentation.

  2. Add a dollop of mascarpone to the center of each fig half and set plates aside.

  3. Place honey and spices in a small heat-proof bowl and set over a pan with simmering water. Cook over medium heat, whisking to blend, until the honey is liquefied and warm, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle honey over each fig, garnish plates with mint sprigs, and serve immediately.

Cook's Notes

Some nutritionists recommend figs for helping to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure.

Originally appeared: Body+Soul, September 2005

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