Love and Spices:
Baked Figs with Goat Cheese

A luscious dessert to enjoy while fresh figs are in season

Recipe by Monique Singer

Westmount Magazine is proud to offer its readers sample recipes from Love and Spices, a beautifully illustrated cookbook by Monique Singer. With this series, you will discover some unique recipes dedicated to cooking with spices, from hors d’œuvres to desserts.

Monique Singer knows how to make people talk, sing and dance spices! From her earliest childhood, alongside her grandmother and sisters, she learned how to create a delicious and original cuisine with her senses, her hands and all her love.

From her family’s table to the jet-set parties she has catered in New York, Los Angeles, Venezuela, Spain, Haiti, and Asia, regardless of the set-up, function, atmosphere or style, Monique’s food has left its imprint on people’s taste buds.

Enjoy!

Baked Figs with Goat Cheese and Grilled Pistachios

Preparation time: 10 min | Baking time: 20 min | Preheat oven: 350°F/175°C | Yields: 6 servings

• 6 ripe figs
• 12 tsp / 170 g goat cheese
• 1/2 cup / 50 g grilled pistachios, chopped
• 4 tbsp fig balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey or agave syrup
• 1/2 tsp fleur de sel
• 1/4 tsp cardamom
• Freshly ground white pepper

On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, grill the pistachios.
Let cool before chopping.
In a food processor, coarsely chop the pistachios, set aside.
Cut a cross into fig over the stem, just deep enough to gently squeeze the fig open.
Lightly press 2 tsp of goat cheese into the centre of each fig.
Place on the prepared cookie sheet, sprinkle salt, pepper and set aside.
In a small saucepan, reduce the vinegar, honey and cardamom, until slightly thickened.
Drizzle the mixture over each fig and bake for 10 minutes.
Sprinkle a 1/4 cup pistachios on a serving plate.
Place the baked figs on the pistachios.
Sprinkle the rest of the 1/4 cup of pistachios.

Images: Anne Fillion

Read also: other recipes

Monique Singer is a cultural creator now based in Montreal, usually found travelling the world, experiencing other cultures and sharing what she finds most interesting. At the top of her food passion is her attraction for spices, their benefits and the distinctive flavour they bring to all dishes. LinkedIn