How to use figs in real dishes
Fig salads
4. Toss sliced figs with sliced peaches, pears or nectarines and arrange on a bed of crisp lettuce or spinach. "Drizzle with fruity vinaigrette and enjoy."
5. Add a little flare to your presentation by quartering fresh figs, but not cutting all the way through. "Spread to make stars and top with your favourite crab or chicken salad mixture for a great lunch."
Fig mains
6. Stir fresh fig quarters and toasted pine nuts into a big bowl of fettuccine Alfredo for a pasta dish that will wow the family at your next get-together.
7. Getting tired of your standard chicken stir-fry? Try sautéing sliced figs along with your vegetables for an unexpected sweetness.
8. Skewers of marinated beefsteak and whole fresh figs done on the grill will give you a taste of summer all year long.
4. Toss sliced figs with sliced peaches, pears or nectarines and arrange on a bed of crisp lettuce or spinach. "Drizzle with fruity vinaigrette and enjoy."
5. Add a little flare to your presentation by quartering fresh figs, but not cutting all the way through. "Spread to make stars and top with your favourite crab or chicken salad mixture for a great lunch."
Fig mains
6. Stir fresh fig quarters and toasted pine nuts into a big bowl of fettuccine Alfredo for a pasta dish that will wow the family at your next get-together.
7. Getting tired of your standard chicken stir-fry? Try sautéing sliced figs along with your vegetables for an unexpected sweetness.
8. Skewers of marinated beefsteak and whole fresh figs done on the grill will give you a taste of summer all year long.
Fig desserts
9. Add a new twist to a classic sundae combo. Drizzle figs with chocolate sauce and serve with a scoop of your favourite ice cream and/or a dollop of whipped cream.
10. Expand your repertoire of crisps and cobblers this winter by using fresh figs. "Or go all out with a clafouti!"
And just a few more ideas to add to your recipe book:
- Create your own fig salsa to dress up simple meat and fish dishes.
- Add chopped figs to all manner of baked goods, including cakes, cookies, breads and muffins. (Their natural humectant will keep your baking moist.)
- Don't forget figs when it's time to make jam. Either on their own or combined with other fruits, they make a tasty topper for a piece of toast.
With plenty of inspiration, you can add figs to just about any dish. Whether you're entertaining guests or just tiding your family over until dinner is served, figs can get the evening off to a great start. This little-used fruit keeps salads interesting, the meaty quality of figs makes it an ideal addition to the central dish of the meal or you can add figs to classic dessert dishes.
Final fun fig fact: They may be considered fruits, but figs are actually flowers that have turned in on themselves.
Adding figs to your diet could be beneficial in more ways than one: they're one of 8 seductive fruits.
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9. Add a new twist to a classic sundae combo. Drizzle figs with chocolate sauce and serve with a scoop of your favourite ice cream and/or a dollop of whipped cream.
10. Expand your repertoire of crisps and cobblers this winter by using fresh figs. "Or go all out with a clafouti!"
And just a few more ideas to add to your recipe book:
- Create your own fig salsa to dress up simple meat and fish dishes.
- Add chopped figs to all manner of baked goods, including cakes, cookies, breads and muffins. (Their natural humectant will keep your baking moist.)
- Don't forget figs when it's time to make jam. Either on their own or combined with other fruits, they make a tasty topper for a piece of toast.
With plenty of inspiration, you can add figs to just about any dish. Whether you're entertaining guests or just tiding your family over until dinner is served, figs can get the evening off to a great start. This little-used fruit keeps salads interesting, the meaty quality of figs makes it an ideal addition to the central dish of the meal or you can add figs to classic dessert dishes.
Final fun fig fact: They may be considered fruits, but figs are actually flowers that have turned in on themselves.
Adding figs to your diet could be beneficial in more ways than one: they're one of 8 seductive fruits.
Page 2 of 2
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