vanilla poached figs with honey cream

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 12 fresh figs
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup honey
• pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 peppercorns
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 orange, zested
• fresh mint

Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Ready Time: 55 mins


• trim a small piece from the bottom of each fig so they stand up straight. remove stems, and score a 1/4 inch "x" into the top of each fig. set aside.
• in a bowl, beat whipping cream together with sour cream until stiff peaks form. (this can be done either by hand, or with an electric mixer.) gently fold in 1/4 cup of honey and a pinch of salt. cover, and refrigerate.
• pour into a small saucepan over medium high heat. add cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, cloves, 1 tablespoon honey, vanilla extract, balsamic vinegar, and lemon and orange zests. stir to dissolve honey and blend flavors. bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for up to 30 minutes, or as time allows, being careful not to reduce liquid too much. place figs upright in pan, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
• to serve, place a spoonful of honey cream in the center of each plate. arrange 3 figs around the cream, and drizzle with a small amount of poaching liquid. tuck a sprig of mint into the slit on the top of each fig. serve immediately.