I love looking forward to certain holidays every year. Thanksgiving is one of my favorites and Christmas is right up there, followed by Memorial Weekend launching the summer months. Now I have food holidays to look forward to each year and right now, I'm smack dab in the middle of celebrating the bountiful harvest of California Figs!
Like last year, there was another Figology Fest party to get me in the mood. I was wondering how Erika from In Erika's Kitchen and Judy from Two Broads Abroad could top their previous fests, but top they did indeed.
How many ways are there to eat figs? You can drink them, stuff them with blue cheese, top them with grilled spicy pork, put them in a fennel salsa with fish tacos, throw them in focaccia with olives, and those are just for starters.
Desserts included an outrageous fig zinfandel sorbet and an oh so sweet fig and lemon tart.
After leaving with my weight in figs, both in my stomach and in the cases in my arms, I debated what to do with my stash. Luckily they freeze well. All you have to do is stick them on a baking sheet in the freezer, unwashed and uncut. Once frozen, throw them in a bag and enjoy for the next 6 months.
After a little fig fest food fatigue, I decided on grilling some up and placing them on a healthy salad. So off the figs went to caramelize and develop some rich flavor over heat, while I got together some of the figs' classic companions like goat cheese, walnuts and a honey, balsamic dressing.
Luckily with my frozen figs in hand, I don't have to wait until next year to celebrate this wonderful fruit.
Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high. Place coconut oil or other non-stick spray in pan if using. When the pan is warm, place fig slices in. Let it sear without moving, approximately 2-3 minutes, and then flip carefully to the other side. 5 minutes should be plenty of time because you don't want the fig to overcook and turn mushy.
Arrange lettuce in 2 bowls, top with chicken, goat cheese, walnuts and then figs. Drizzle the dressing over all the ingredients and enjoy!
Need more fig recipe inspiration?
If you have leftover almond meal after making milk, or just want to make a healthier cracker, combine a few ingredients with almond flour like figs and vanilla for a vegan, gluten free snack.
A pretty and versatile way to get your veggies in a one dish meal. Eggplant is combined with figs, quinoa, tomatoes, tomatoes and feta for a complete lunch or dinner.