Barbecue Recipes

FRESH FIGS WITH VANILLA CREAM

The ripeness of the figs will determine their cooking time. This is an ideal recipe for a barbecue because it is prepared on the grill and left to stand until you are ready to eat.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups dry white wine
1/3 cup clear honey
1/4 cup sugar
1 small orange
8 whole cloves
1 pound fresh figs
1 cinnamon stick
sprigs of fresh mint, or bay leaves, to decorate

FOR THE VANILLA CREAM
11/4 cups double cream I vanilla bean
1 teaspoon sugar

SERVES 6

1. Put the wine, honey and sugar in a heavy saucepan and heat gently on the grill or stovetop until the sugar dissolves.

2. Stud the orange with the cloves and add to the syrup with the figs and cinnamon. Cover and simmer very gently for 5—10 minutes, until the figs are tender. Transfer the contents of the pan to a serving dish and let cool.

3. Put 2/3 cup of the cream in a small saucepan with the vanilla bean. Bring almost to a boil, then allow to cool and infuse for 30 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean and mix the flavored cream with the remaining cream and sugar in a bowl. Whip lightly. Transfer to a serving dish.

4. Decorate the figs with mint or bay leaves and serve with the vanilla cream.