Long after citrus season is done, there are other desert treasures
that land on our doorstep in abundance.
Friends Scott and Jeff emailed us with an offer of fresh figs
from their tree. How could we say no?
Of course, Murphy’s Law was in effect and we were at a family
wedding on the East Coast when the offer came in. “Would there be any left
by the weekend?” we asked. Scott responded, “The bounty is winding down.” Sigh…
perhaps we could still hope for a few.
We let Scott and Jeff know when we were home, just in case there
was any lingering surplus. Expecting but a few, you can only imagine my surprise when Scott
appeared at the door with two pounds of luscious purple figs, warm from the
tree. Yes, please!
The first thing Mark and I did was make an old favorite from our
early days together – grilled figs and prosciutto. These juicy, savory-sweet morsels make great appetizers, a simple
first course, or a light meal, which is how we used some of them that day.
This isn’t big news on the hors d’œuvres front; I am sure many of
you have seen this recipe – or one like it – before. Regardless, they deserve to be discussed again,
because they are so good!
Having friends with fruit trees, or vegetable gardens, is a real
benefit. And we love being the beneficiaries!
 |
| The summer garden. |
Stay tuned for another fresh fig recipe!
Grilled Figs & Prosciutto
Developed and maintained by Inspiratech LLC.
Design by Themeshift.
Inger @ Art of Natural Living
August 20, 2016 at 3:33 pmOh this looks amazing! I get zucchini and you get figs and citrus! (Okay a neighbor did drop off some sweet corn last week.) Figs are one of my very favorites but they cost a fortune up here–I have debated trying a potted fig tree. Your appetizer looks simple and perfect! Enjoy!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 4:21 pmThanks, Inger! We had a potted fig in Maine and enjoyed a few figs each year!
Jill
August 20, 2016 at 4:24 pmFor those of us who have to purchase our figs, on my second tray from Costco.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 4:22 pmThey taste wonderful no matter where you get them, Jill!
Sippity Sup
August 20, 2016 at 5:51 pmI agree with the phrase "yes, please". This is one of the all-time best ways to eat figs. GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 4:22 pmThanks, Greg!
Marcelle
August 20, 2016 at 8:29 pmDavid, I recently tried fresh figs for the first time and really loved them. I love learning about different ways to eat them. I'm glad you revisited this old favorite of yours, can't wait to try it!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 4:22 pmThanks, Marcelle – I have another fun fig recipe coming up in a couple of weeks!
Lois B
August 20, 2016 at 9:28 pmThese look beautiful; can't wait to try this version!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 4:23 pmThanks, Lois – you will love them!
Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things
August 20, 2016 at 11:28 pmHeaven, sheer heaven! Was eyeing off figs at a food market yesterday… but they were $2 each and I wondered if it was too early in the season.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 4:23 pmWow, figs so early? No wonder they are expensive!
Unknown
August 21, 2016 at 2:02 pmYou are so lucky to have such friends! Unfortunately, I don't have any who 1. Have fruit trees 2. If they do, they don't want to share!
When I see fresh fruit like this, I'm always reminded of my grandparents' garden in India. It had every tropical tree imaginable and in season it was so beautiful, lush and green. They had fig trees, pomegranate, mango, coconut palms, guava…just so beautiful.
This recipe is a classic…one I can't eat…but looks wonderful just the same!
Looking forward to seeing you soon! I'm so excited 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 4:25 pmI am working on a version for vegetarians and non-pork eaters – I will keep you posted, Nazneen! Your grandparents' garden sounds magical!
Unknown
August 21, 2016 at 5:36 pmSo happy you'll be posting a non-pork version!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 7:46 pmI will keep you posted, Jean!
Kirsten Honeyman
August 21, 2016 at 4:01 pmSo simple, and so amazing!! Thanks for this, David.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 4:26 pmThanks, Kirsten – most of the best things are simple!
Anonymous
August 21, 2016 at 6:33 pmOooh…this made me remember DH Lawrence's poem "Figs." Very erotic, maybe offensive to some but I could not help mentioning it. Have you read it?
I do love good figs and dream of being able to grow them but my climate is too iffy.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 7:44 pmCaterina – I haven not read that before! Thanks fro letting me know – it is wonderful and I don't think too vulgar (at least not these days). We tried growing them in Maine – too much work – and they grow well here, but the birds and other critters love them faster than we do!
Anonymous
August 21, 2016 at 10:22 pmIt's silly, but every time I eat a fig I think of DH Lawrence. Glad you said it's wonderful. I don't even remember where or when that poem "came onto my radar." Probably something my brother told me. He took me to the DH Lawrence ranch in New Mexico many years ago. As I remember, it's somewhere near Taos? I think i'll google that. What did we do before google?
Cocoa & Lavender
August 22, 2016 at 2:01 pmI only vaguely remember his connections with the Southwest, Caterina. Will definitely look into that when we are next on Santa Fe/Taos.
And that is an excellent question: what DID we do before google?
domenicacooks
August 21, 2016 at 7:44 pmMy little turkey fig tree is producing a good crop this year, and the figs are sweet. I can't wait to make this. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 7:45 pmThanks, Domenica – I think you will love them. They work beautiful cooked in the oven or on the outdoor grill!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 21, 2016 at 7:45 pmAnd lucky you having a bumper crop this year!
Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef
August 22, 2016 at 2:38 amMy father in law had a fig tree in the Central Valley of California and I loved them. These days I have to buy them and I will to make your yummy looking fig treat.
Cocoa & Lavender
August 22, 2016 at 1:55 pmWe have to buy them most of the time,too, Gerlinde – but I don't mind, especially once I have bit into one!
Unknown
August 22, 2016 at 11:50 amSometimes the simplest recipes are the best and with lovely ingredients like those figs, you can' go wrong!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 22, 2016 at 1:55 pmI really agree with you, Caroline!
Colette (Coco)
August 22, 2016 at 7:27 pmD, this is such an elegantly simple small bites idea, perfect for summer time. Makes me wish I were in Italia! xo
Cocoa & Lavender
August 23, 2016 at 1:10 amI think we both wish we were in Italia, Colette! xo
ChgoJohn
August 23, 2016 at 4:55 pmYou are so right, David. Whether one has seen this recipe before, it is meant to be repeated every fig season. It's that good. Truly. You are so lucky to live in or near fig country. There are fig trees here — a friend's grandparents once owned one that was reputed to be the largest in the metro area — but I've yet to be introduced to a benevolent owner. Drat! Next to finding someone with a boat and slip in one of the city's harbors, a local fig tree is would be very much appreciated. 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
August 24, 2016 at 2:37 pmPerhaps the underlying reason for our move to Tucson was the figs, John. But maybe the tomatoes, too. And the peaches. And corn. So hard to decide! We have friends in the northeast who kept a fig alive by burying it ever winter. Worth the trouble, for sure!
John | heneedsfood
August 24, 2016 at 12:42 amThree of my absolute favourite foods. What would life be like without them – honestly! Hold onto those friends, David!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 24, 2016 at 2:37 pmI agree, John – these are three amazing foods an, together? Perfection!
Ahu @ Ahu Eats
August 24, 2016 at 9:30 pmI would trade my current neighbors (pooping pigeons) for ones with wonderful fig trees in a heart beat! This looks incredible. Love that you chose a simple preparation to honor the beauty of the fruit!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 25, 2016 at 12:38 pmYou are so funny, Ahu! I am sure someone is growing figs in New York – you just need to find them!
Unknown
August 25, 2016 at 2:30 pmThis is one of my go-to hors d'œuvres. Unfortunately, I don't have friends dropping off bags of the little gems, but Golden Harvest isn't far when the season is right! Yours looks wonderful!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 25, 2016 at 3:04 pmWhen we lived there, we tried growing a fig tree, and actually got a few figs – but Golden Harvest was easier!
Cheri Savory Spoon
August 25, 2016 at 4:36 pmWhat gorgeous looking figs David, I just bought a pint when we were at Pikes market in Seattle and they were the best I ever had. Can't wait to see your other fig recipes as well. Have a great week-end!
Cocoa & Lavender
August 28, 2016 at 3:37 amThanks, Cheri – we love be fresh figs!
Cathleen
August 27, 2016 at 2:53 amWow! I am intrigued by this recipe. This is definitely going on my to-make list 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
August 28, 2016 at 3:37 amLet me know what you think, Cathy!
liza
March 30, 2017 at 11:13 amnice post