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
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8 small (or 4 large) fresh, ripe figs, stems trimmed, halved lengthwise
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⅓ cup mascarpone, softened
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⅓ cup mild honey
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¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
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⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
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4 sprigs fresh mint
Directions
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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.
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Add a dollop of mascarpone to the center of each fig half and set plates aside.
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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.