What to do with Figs??

Hi all, I need some suggestions for cooking with figs.  Ive never bought them (until today) and I'm not sure what to do with them!  Any suggestions from the food gallary would be greatly appreciated!   

Are they fresh or dried? Either way you can stew them in a little sugar syrup, add a few drops of rose water and some almond flakes and serve with a dollop of yoghurt or creme fraiche.

Or just eat them as is!

Similar to the above, bake in the oven after drizzling with honey and then serve with a dollop of mascarpone. I'm having that tonight!

I love fresh figs..

I do the same as above or mostly just eat the as is.

You could also put them in a tart if you wish or quickly toss them in a pan cut side down in which you have heated the sweetner of your choice -honey, maple, brown sugar until lightly caramalized and serve with dairy of choice.. ice cream, cream, cheese...

figs are great with strong cheeses as well.

toss in a salad with walnuts.

They are one of the most sensual fruits..

oh or serve along side some lamb or pork.  yummy.... chutney style but with out too much spice to hide the delicate fig flavor...

Pistachios go well too..

I've never eaten a fig, but i saw this in Nigel Slater's book 'Real Fast Food' ... sounds nice!

Split 2 bulging purple figs per person.  They must be seriously ripe. Gently warm a small pot of runny honey... thyme or orange blossom are best... in a pan of simmering water.  Carefully remove drom the pan, twist off the lid using a tea towel, and spoon the warm honey over the ripe figs.  Eat with your fingers, sucknig the purple-red flesh from the skins.

Thanks guys, they are dried.  Gonna try them in my porridge tomorrow!  Suggestion off the bag! 

Soak them in water overnight and they'll be all ready for your porridge in the morning. 

Soak them in water overnight and they'll be all ready for your porridge in the morning. 

oooo, good thinking!  you smart!!!   

Dried or fresh, though fresh are best, I just eat them!

Im currently enjoying my bowl of porridge with figs in it!  YUM!

Delicious fresh, cut in half and rolled in parma ham.

I had the most incredible dessert at a restaurant yesterday. It was a citrus tart in filo pastry, with figs on top. Scrumptious!

And I have what looks like an incredible recipe for fig ice cream at home. I haven't tried it yet, but definitely plan to. It also has cinnamon and saffon in it.

mmmm, that dessert does sound scrummy!  A poster from my veggie forum gave me this recipe, looks really good....  I haven't looked for fresh figs yet, only bought the dried ones.

Grilled figs and arugala salad

8 large black mission figs or 12 green figs
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for brushing figs
1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons aged Balsamic vinegar, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 pound arugula


Rinse and trim stem end of figs and split lengthwise. Whisk olive oil into 1/3 cup Balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Toss arugula with vinaigrette. Lightly brush figs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill or broil figs one minute on each side. Remove figs from heat and toss with remaining 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar. Place figs on a bed of greens then sprinkle with parmesan.

Grilled figs are awesome in salad, that recipe looks yummy!

I love figs...mostly i eat them raw with stinky cheese 

But one of my favourite creative uses for them has to be in pasta...this one place I go to sautees the figs in balsamic vinegar and pours the resulting reduction over fresh pasta with sauteed onions and spinach, roasted garlic, and crumbled goat cheese.  It's heavenly.