Caramelised figs with hazelnuts
The fig tree can produce a small summer crop but the second, and more abundant fruiting is the most delicious. Figs like long Indian summers during which the liqueur surrounding their seeds is concentrated by the sun and turns to a sweet, syrupy nectar. Once they are heavy with this nectar, the skin will start to split and the race is on to save them from the birds.
Ingredients
Allow one large fig or two small ones per person.
caster sugar
finely chopped, roasted hazelnuts
whipped cream, to serve
Method
Cut the figs in half, top to bottom, and lay them cut side up on a heatproof tray. Sprinkle a tsp of caster sugar on each half fig. Place the tray under a grill on medium heat. When the sugar has turned a golden caramel colour, the figs are ready.
To serve
Sprinkle some finely chopped, roasted hazelnuts on top and serve with whipped cream as a dessert.
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