Gourmet Gifts

Sweet Amaretto Figs Are Ripe For Sharing

Photo by laUren Wacaser By Lauren Wacaser

Fig season typically runs from late summer to early fall and is proven as an abundant fruit. Fresh figs should be consumed fairly quickly or preserved shortly after harvesting to ensure quality and to prevent spoilage. Preserving them briefly in an alcohol syrup and stored in the refrigerator is a simple way to allow you to enjoy them much longer. Any variety of fig works beautifully in this recipe. 1 quart sized, clean jar ~about 2 cups fresh figs, halved 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1 cup Amaretto 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Gently fill the jar with fresh figs, being careful not to squish them.

In a small pot, bring the water/sugar/ Amaretto mixture to a boil. Stir frequently. Boil for 5 minutes then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.

Allow the syrup to cool before pouring over figs so that your glass jar doesn’t shatter from the temperature change.

Place a lid on top and store the jar in the refrigerator overnight. Consume within four days.

These sweet, syrupy figs are amazing on top of vanilla ice cream, French toast, or pancakes.

Make Homemade Vanilla For A Lasting Gift

By Lauren Wacaser

Vanilla is a well-known flavor used worldwide in recipes for baking and flavored syrups. There are many varieties of vanilla beans but three main ones are used by home cooks and each has its own unique flavor profile. Madagascar vanilla is the most popular with its classic, rich flavors. Mexican vanilla is also very common and has richer, darker tones, while Tahitian vanilla carries a lighter, floral note. For homemade extract, Grade A Madagascar vanilla beans are preferred and can be purchased in the spice aisle of most stores or conveniently online. This recipe makes a wonderful gift for friends and family during the holidays and can be enjoyed year round. You’ll need: 1 cup or more of alcohol (vodka, brandy, bourbon, or rum) 4 vanilla beans, preferably Madagascar beans 4 individual gift-size glass jars Slice each bean in half lengthwise in half and place both halves into a gift jar. You may cut the vanilla bean into smaller pieces to make it fit into the jar of your choosing. Pour alcohol into each jar so that it covers the bean entirely and is filled about ¼ inch from the lid.

Place a tight-fitting lid over each jar and store in a cool, dark place for about six weeks. However, the longer you allow them to extract, the better the flavors. Tie a beautiful ribbon or handmade tag around each lid as a gift idea.

For a large quantity of vanilla extract at home, you may slice four to six vanilla beans lengthwise and place them directly into your favorite alcohol bottle. Allow six to eight weeks for extraction before use. Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place and the beans will remain in the solution until it is used up.

Photo by laUren Wacaser

Lauren Wacaser is the founder of “Let’s Eat Well,” featuring recipes, preparation, and discussion as she and her family create wholesome and innovative meals. She has a cookbook in the works and enjoys growing her own food, and teaching cooking and gardening classes. Her goals include inspiring others to cook at home, connect with their families and friends, and grow their own produce. See more on her “Let’s Eat Well” site.