Midnight snacks

Google: “Early fig season typically starts in late spring to early summer, depending on the region and climate conditions. Figs from this period tend to be smaller in size but bursting with flavour. Figs (Ficus carica) are a unique fruit resembling a teardrop. They’re about the size of your thumb, filled with hundreds of tiny seeds, and have an edible purple or green peel. The flesh of the fruit is pink and has a mild, sweet taste. Figs are packed with nutrients and may offer a wide range of health benefits.

“Figs are a potassium-rich food and can help correct that imbalance. Meanwhile, high levels of fiber in figs can help to flush excess sodium from the system. Figs can easily be eaten fresh as a snack, or halved and tossed into a salad or sandwich for added crunch and flavour. However, there are also a number of tasty ways to bake using figs as a sweetener. “

With the Summer heat so hot, my figs seem to grow faster. I found two plum size figs on the tree. Thought I best pluck them before the birds have them. I have been hoping there will be more in the next few weeks. Do you know you can eat the whole thing- skin and all; and you should! The skin is no tougher than apple skin and is delicious. And you can certainly pop them in your mouth raw. This is my midnight snacks. It’s soft, sweet, tangy, with the tartness and creaminess of the goat cheese. Let’s baked!!!

Ingredients

2 plum figs
4 tiny baby basil leaves
goat cheese
oil
honey
balsamic glaze
salt

Method

Preheat oven 200 degrees C. Wash and dry. Then and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Removed stems and cut lengthwise into half. Drizzle some oil, honey, and balsamic glaze. Next season with salt. Use a spoon or butter knife to put a bit of goat cheese into the center of each fig.

Transfer to prepared baking tray. Use a bit of foil to hold/ sit the fig steady. You don’t have to do it. Roast in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the figs have reached the desired tenderness or are starting to brown. If they are taking a while to brown, you can finish them under the broiler. Remove from the oven and plate up. Place each fig with a tiny basil leaf. Enjoy the midnight snacks!!!

Note: Depending on the kinds of figs you use, you may want to use more or less honey. Green figs tend to be more tart, so you may want more, whereas dark coloured figs tend to be naturally very sweet. Oven temperature may vary. Also, the numbers of figs you are using.

https://helenscchin.com/2023/01/14/baked-figs-goat-cheese-with-balsamic-glaze-and-basil/

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