It is 104 degrees out and while my house is air conditioned, my brain is not. So even though I am in the cool indoors, my brain remembers just a little while ago when I wasn’t, and it has forbidden me to light the oven or the stove. I have learned that obeying my brain keeps peace in the body-mind continuum; I will therefore move as little as possible until the temperature drops below 90F.
This exquisite dish, made from just five ingredients, requires appropriately little effort. Yet it’s a powerful anti-weather device: when that first shock of sweet musky fig and cream hits your mouth, all the salty sluggishness of the overbearing air flies off; sly black pepper kicks in with just enough firepower to keep the demon heat at bay a little longer.
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Balsamic Macerated Figs with Black Pepper Mascarpone
Serve these as an appetizer or dessert: either way, you’ll love the intriguing combination of sour, sweet and spicy .
6 fresh ripe figs
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup mascarpone at room temperature
1 teaspoon heavy cream
1/8-1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1. Cut each fig in six wedges, leaving it intact at the bottom so the fig opens like a star-shaped flower. Place the open figs on a plate and brush the cut surfaces with the balsamic. Let sit at least 15 minutes.
2. Combine the mascarpone, cream and black pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust the black pepper as needed.
3. Carefully transfer the figs to a serving platter. Brush the juices that have leached out of the fruit back on the figs.
4. Place a dollop of the mascarpone mixture in the center of each fig and serve.
Makes 6-8 servings
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Vivien says
I think I’ll make this tomorrow. It sounds so easy and perfect for a hot day!
David says
Looks yummy!
Amy Nieporent says
Silly question…The figs are left unpeeled?
Marge says
Amy– Right, you do not peel the figs.
Chris says
You had me at figs. If I could have figs all year round, I would be a happy, happy girl. Then…mascarpone? Put a fork in me! 🙂
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
omg these sound and look amazing! This recipe is calling my name! I hope your summer is going well. Miss ya!
Ann says
Fantastic! Made it tonight. Thanks Marge
Marge says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it!