Delicious Baked Figs Recipe with Brandy Syrup
I cannot wait to share this exquisite recipe with you! If you are looking for an indulgent dessert that is easy to make yet impresses all, then Baked Figs in Brandy and Wine Syrup is the dish for you. Fresh, locally-sourced figs are baked to tender perfection, then drenched in a rich syrup made from red wine, brandy, lemon zest, cinnamon stick and caster sugar. This recipe combines flavors that burst in your mouth and that will leave you feeling satisfied and comforted. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it the perfect ending to any meal. So whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply wanting a decadent treat for yourself or a loved one, this recipe promises to deliver on all fronts! Let’s get started…
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked figs in brandy and wine syrup recipe is something you won’t want to miss out on. The combination of sweet, juicy figs soaked in a delicious syrup made of brandy and red wine is just too good to resist. Here are a few reasons why you should give this recipe a try:
1. Unique flavors: The flavor of the brandy and red wine blends perfectly with the soft, honey-like flavor of fresh figs. The addition of cinnamon stick and lemon zest makes for an even more unique and delicious taste.
2. Perfect for a special occasion: Whether it’s a dinner party or a romantic date night, this dish will surely impress your guests or loved one. The appealing scent and presentation will be a treat for both the eyes and palate.
3. Versatile dish: This recipe can be served as a dessert after your main course, or act as an accompaniment to roast chicken or pork dishes. It’s also an excellent topping for cheese plates or charcuterie boards.
4. Easy to make: Despite the rich taste, this recipe is actually quite easy to make! With only nine ingredients and mostly passive cooking time, you’ll be able to whip up this dessert without too much fuss.
Overall, baked figs in brandy and wine syrup offers a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for any special occasion or even just for an indulgent night in. It’s sure to become a staple in your repertoire of impressive dessert recipes that you can easily pull off!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious baked figs in brandy and wine syrup:
- 12 fresh figs
- 2 cups of red wine
- 1/4 cup of brandy
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
- zest strip from a lemon
For this recipe, it’s essential that you use fresh figs. Make sure they are ripe but still firm to the touch. As for the wine, you can choose any variety that you like, but a bold red wine works well here. The brandy adds a warm and slightly sweet flavor. Make sure your caster sugar is dissolved completely before adding in the rest of the ingredients. Don’t forget the lemon zest, which adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the syrup.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Figs and Brandy Wine Syrup
Wash the 12 figs and cut off their stems. Cut two slits in the top of each fig to make an “X”.
In a small saucepan, add 2 cups of red wine, 1/4 cup of brandy, 1/2 cup of caster sugar, and a strip of lemon zest. Place over a medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add a cinnamon stick and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
Once the syrup is ready, pour it over the figs and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Baste the Figs
Remove the figs from the oven and using a spoon, baste them with the brandy wine syrup. Place back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until they are tender.
Step 4: Cool Before Serving
Take out from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving as they will be extremely hot!
Enjoy Your Baked Figs in Brandy Wine Syrup
This delightful dessert pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. I would also recommend pairing it with cheese platters that have aged hard cheeses such as Gouda or even serve it along with roast chicken or other meat dishes which will balance out the sweetness of your dish.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Baked Figs in Brandy and Wine Syrup Recipe is that it allows for numerous substitutions and variations. Here are some suggestions to mix things up:
– Sugar: If you don’t have caster sugar, you can use granulated sugar or another type of fine sugar. However, keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.
– Lemon zest: Feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits such as orange or grapefruit if you prefer a different flavor profile.
– Brandy and red wine: You can swap the brandy for cognac or whiskey, and the red wine for white wine or port. Whatever alcohol you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy drinking because the flavors will come through in the dish.
– Figs: While fresh figs work best in this recipe, you can substitute with dried figs if fresh ones aren’t available. Soak the dried figs in water for a few hours to soften them up before using them in this recipe.
– Serving suggestions: While this recipe is perfect on its own as a dessert, consider adding the baked figs to other dishes as a topping. For example, try them with roast chicken or in a salad with balsamic vinegar dressing.
– Preserving: If you have an abundance of ripe figs, consider canning them to use at a later time. Preserved figs make a great addition to cheese boards and charcuterie plates.
By experimenting with different ingredients and serving suggestions, you can make this recipe yours and tailor it to your taste preferences.
Serving and Pairing
Once the baked figs in brandy and wine syrup are out of the oven, make sure to serve them warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. The sweet syrup and soft flesh of the figs pair perfectly with the creamy texture of whipped cream or ice cream.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more savory, try serving these figs alongside a platter of cured meats and cheeses. The sweetness of the figs will complement the saltiness of the meats and richness of the cheese.
For a more substantial meal, consider serving these brandied figs as a side dish to roast chicken or pork. The flavors of the figs help cut through the richness of the meat making for a well-balanced meal.
When it comes to pairing wine with this dessert, stick to a full-bodied red wine such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins in these wines help balance out the sweetness of the syrup while also enhancing the flavor of the fruit.
These baked figs in brandy and wine syrup are truly versatile – great for an after-dinner dessert or incorporated into your next charcuterie board.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This baked figs in brandy and wine syrup recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. This means you can prepare this delicious dessert in advance, which can save you valuable time during your dinner party or event.
When storing the baked figs, make sure to transfer them with the syrup into an airtight container to prevent leakage and retain flavor. The syrup will become thicker when it’s cooled, but it will liquefy again when heated.
To reheat, place the baked figs and syrup in a small saucepan on medium heat. Cover the pan with a lid and stir occasionally to prevent burning. Heat until the figs are warmed through and the syrup has melted into a smooth consistency.
If you find that your syrup has become too thick after storage, add a splash of water or red wine to thin it out while reheating. Alternatively, if the syrup is too thin for your liking, let it simmer on low heat while uncovered until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Remember that these figs are best served warm with their sweet syrup, so make sure not to overheat them during reheating. These indulgent figs also go well with ice cream or whipped cream if you want to add extra sweetness and decadence to this dessert.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the most out of this baked figs in brandy and wine syrup recipe, here are some tips to ensure perfect results.
1. Use ripe figs: When choosing fresh figs, opt for the ripe ones as they tend to be sweeter and juicier. The ripeness is indicated by the softness of the fruit, and it should be yielding to gentle pressure.
2. Soak figs: If you’re using dried figs instead of fresh ones, it’s advisable to soak them first in water, brandy, or other alcohol recipes. Soaking will help rehydrate the figs and add more depth to their flavor.
3. Use a small saucepan: When making the syrup, use a small saucepan that will allow you to stir frequently without too much splashing. This will help the sugar dissolve evenly and prevent lumps from forming.
4. Infuse with cinnamon and lemon: Add a cinnamon stick and lemon zest strips when making the syrup for an extra layer of flavor. However, be careful not to overdo it as it can overpower the sweetness of the figs.
5. Simmer on low heat: Once you’ve added all syrup ingredients into the saucepan with figs, cook on low heat until a thick syrup forms. It’s important not to let the mixture boil since boiling can ruin delicate fruits like fresh figs.
6. Pairing with dishes: These brandied figs are perfect alongside roasted chicken or served as dessert with cheese or ice cream. You could also use them as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes or toast!
Follow these tips for perfect results in baking these juicy and delicious brandied figs.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, baked figs in brandy and wine syrup recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this exquisite fruit. With its sweet and tangy taste and aromatic flavor, this dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with roasted chicken or even a cheese platter. This dish is perfect for a dinner gathering or as a dessert for a special occasion.
Using fresh figs is ideal for this recipe, but if they are not in season, you can substitute them with dried figs that have been soaked beforehand. The addition of balsamic vinegar or honey can also add a unique twist to the recipe.
Whether new to cooking with figs or already a fig lover, this recipe is definitely worth trying. Not only is it easy to make, but it also showcases the best way to preserve figs so that they can be enjoyed all year round.
So why not give it a try? Impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and enjoy the sweet taste of brandied figs.
Baked Figs in Brandy and Wine Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 figs
- 2 cups red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar
- lemon zest, strip
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a casserole.
- Cover with foil, punching a few holes in the foil.
- Preheat oven to 190 Degrees Celsius.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Allow figs to cool in the syrup, then remove and reduce syrup to half in a small saucepan over a medium flame.
- Serve figs with syrup and yoghurt or ice cream.