tagAlt.Poached Figs with Sweetened Cheese Sauce and Toasted Walnuts

Wine-Poached Figs with Mascarpone Cream and Toasted Walnuts

Luscious figs, creamy mascarpone, and golden walnuts: celebrate summer’s flavors in this elegant, no-bake dessert.
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    • ( Scored 5 on 1 reviews )

Nina:

While not the go-to ingredient Stateside, this dessert was worth the small extra hunt for fresh figs. I actually wound up finding them in my local fa...

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tagAlt.Poached Figs with Sweetened Cheese Sauce and Toasted Walnuts

Think you need to turn on the oven for a luxurious fruit dessert? Think again! This recipe offers a sophisticated, quick-to-prepare treat that lets you enjoy the bounty of summer figs without overheating your kitchen.

Figs, celebrated throughout the Mediterranean for their natural sweetness and delicate texture, take center stage in this dish. Italian culinary tradition excels at pairing fresh figs with complementary flavors like apricots, walnuts, and sweetened cheese. The result is a dessert that lingers on your palate and captures the essence of sultry summer evenings.

Although figs might not be your go-to summer fruit, this preparation could very well make them a seasonal favorite. Their unique taste, accentuated by a honey-kissed mascarpone cream and the crunch of toasted walnuts, transforms them into an irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

for 4 servings

Fresh Figs poached in Red Wine

  • Figs 12
  • Red wine 400 ml2
  • Sugar (Granulated) 150 grams
  • Cinnamon Stick 1
  • Orange 1

Classic Soft Cheese Base with Honey

  • Mascarpone cheese 200 grams
  • Honey 50 grams
  • Walnuts 100 grams

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Preparation

for 4 servings

Step

1

Of 3

Poach the Figs in Spiced Red Wine

In a medium saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, a stick of cinnamon, and strips of orange peel. Bring the mixture to a lively boil for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.

Reduce the heat and gently add the fresh figs. Cover the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, just until the figs become tender but retain their shape. Carefully remove the figs and continue simmering the remaining liquid over low heat until it thickens into a rich, aromatic syrup.

Step

2

Of 3

Blend the Mascarpone Cream and Toast the Walnuts

If mascarpone cheese isn't available, substitute with an equal amount of softened cream cheese or Neufchâtel. In a medium bowl, combine the cheese with honey, whisking until it becomes silky and smooth. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey to taste.

Meanwhile, toast the walnut halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. This step enhances their natural oils and deepens their flavor.

Step

3

Of 3

Assemble and Present Your Summer Dessert

Spoon a generous portion of the mascarpone cream onto the center of each dessert plate. Arrange the poached figs atop the cream, then spoon over the luscious wine reduction.

Finish with a scattering of toasted walnuts for texture and a final drizzle of syrup. Serve immediately to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

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Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

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Reviews

Nina Sunday 16th of August 2020

Simple elegance goes a long way

While not the go-to ingredient Stateside, this dessert was worth the small extra hunt for fresh figs. I actually wound up finding them in my local farmer's market, so I think I lucked out. Friends have told me they've seen them in smaller groceries, so they can be unearthed. Once I wrangled them, it was worth every step because this was super easy, and super tasty. Light, filled with sweetness and excellent texture, I'll be sure to keep this around as long as the figs are to be found. Absolutely terrific use of seasonal ingredients, and love the simplicity of the other ingredients. I didn't have to buy anything else but the figs!

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