How to Cook Figs

Figs are the favorite fruit of many individuals. Originating from the Mediterranean and typically grown in warm and dry climates, figs are also grown in certain states in America. Figs are successfully grown in California and Nevada. There are many ways to cook figs. You can dehydrate figs in a dehydrator, coat them with chocolate, make fig jam or even make poached figs. With so many different ways to cook a fig, it is inevitable that you will find a favorite.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dehydrator machine
• Water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• Chocolate
• Figs
• 1 cup white wine
• Jam jars
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg
• Pan
• Wax paper

How to Cook Figs

1. Select the figs you are going to use. In order to cook figs, you have to find figs that are in the best condition. You can either purchase them at your local farmers market or if you’re picky, you can order them online from top growers.

2. Dry the figs. If you like prunes, then you will enjoy making your own. Prunes are basically figs that are dried out. Use a dehydrator to dry your figs out. Once they are dehydrated, you can add them to trail mix or eat them by themselves.

3. Make fig jam. Many individuals love fig jam and it is fairly easy to make at home. All you need is figs, sugar, water and jelly jars. If you’d like to make a jam that has more than one fruit, add in your favorite fruit to the mixture. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and pears are great fruits to combine with the figs.

4. Make chocolate dipped figs. Choose your favorite chocolate or the instant fruit dipping chocolate available at your grocery store. Heat the chocolate up and dip the figs in the chocolate to coat them. It is usually easier to slice the figs before you dip them in the chocolate. Once the figs are coated with the chocolate put them on wax paper and set them in the refrigerator. Once the chocolate has hardened the figs are ready to eat.

5. Poach the figs. Poached figs make an excellent dessert. Poach the figs in a pan over medium heat. Add approximately 1 cup of white wine and 1/3 cup of sugar. Add a dash of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of your favorite spices. Many individuals like cinnamon and nutmeg. Allow the figs to simmer in the mixture until they are soft. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Use ripe figs to make the jam. This will make the jam much sweeter and very rich tasting.
• Do not consume too many figs. Like many other fruits, if they are consumed in excess they can cause painful stomach cramps.

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on 6/28/2009 PRUNES ARE NOT FIGS THEY ARE PLUMS