Insalata di fichi (fig salad)

        

Fast, simple, quick and easy but insanely delicious.  When adding figs life just becomes instantly decadent in my opinion.  My instant association and probably most Italians is to enjoy figs with prosciutto.  I like to eat figs picked straight from the tree as they have just been ripened from the summers sun.  Most Italian  households with serve a bowl of lettuce and tomatoes as a salad option with most meals, however this salad is a little more special.  Enjoy it on it's own and soak up the remaining juices with some crusty bread or present it as a side dish.  The figs can  be lightly grilled if desired however I like to enjoy them fresh.

What you need:

4 fresh figs cut in quarters 

100g of goats cheese crumbled

1/2 cups fresh walnuts (crack from the shell)

100g fresh rocket leaves

1/4 cups in total (half olive oil, half balsamic vinegar)

100g prosciutto di Parma (optional)

1: Mix the oil and vinegar together.  Toss the rocket though the dressing until thoroughly coated.  Present the dressed rocket leaves on a large platter

2: Place the prosciutto on top then arrange the remaining ingredients in layers.  Alternatively serve the prosciutto on a side plate and serve with salad (or omit)

Marmellata di fichi- Fig jam

Figs have been eaten for centuries and I feel exotic and decedent when I eat this ancient fruit. The colours, the texture and the scent of figs is truly spectacular. Figs are in full season in Italy in August/September and can be seen in abundance.  Figs are simply divine when eaten on their own. Some of my favourite memories are going for weekend walks through the Tuscan hills found in my backyard, and picking the ripe fruit from laden trees. The Apuane Alps are a food lovers paradise, and many Tuscans will venture to the mountains to take advantage and appreciate what nature has to offer.  Figs really need to be consumed not long after picking, so making fig jam is a great way to enjoy figs all year round. I typically reserve my fig marmellata to make fig jam crostata (tart) throughout the winter months. Or place a dollop served with a cheese platter.

What you need:

One kilo of figs

400grams of sugar

Zest and juice of one large lemon
1/2 cup of water 

 

How to make:

1: Cut the skin off the figs, and then slice into 4 large pieces. Or for a more rustic jam, you can keep the skin on but make sure you wash well.
2: Simply add all of the ingredients together in a large saucepan and bring to the boil.  
3: Once it comes to the boil bring it down to a simmer.  Simmer for about 30-45 minuets, constantly stirring and making sure that the jam does not stick to the saucepan. The longer you simmer, the thicker it will become. The consistency is up to personal preference. 
4:It is ready when you place a small amount of jam on a plate, put in the fridge for five minuets and sets. Once it is ready immediately place in hot sterilised jars.  This recipe will make about 6-8 small jars of yummy jam. 

Buon apetito!

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