The End of Summer // September Joy and Fig Season
As the grey sky starts to loom over us and the colder air creeps in, we can begin to feel the need to seek out our favourite knitwear from the back of the wardore. Personally this change of season is very much felt and enjoyed by me and my family through meal planning and food choices. September brings an end to those lazy summer salads and calls for more hearty and warm favours.
As with a lot of foods, figs seem to be available all year round, but they are actually seasonal. Even figs that are imported into the UK, do of course taste best towards the end of September and through October.
So when the late summer rain drizzles down on a weekday afternoon, I realise its time to put away the sandals and I find myself crazing a long cardigan and a warm bowl of something sticky and sweet. Figs always hit the spot because they have that ‘in season’ magic in which nothing else can compare.
Tip- Never choose green figs as they just wouldn’t ripen at home, instead look out for deep purple and delicate to touch figs because these are ripe and will be full of favour.
In general they only last a few days in the fridge. They are a highly perishable food, so buy them only when you know you'll have time to cook and eat them.
Like all fruits and most foods there are many ways to enjoy them. Figs can be eaten raw or be grilled, fried and/or roasted. I personally love them warm and sticky, roasted figs are definitely the best and can be enjoyed in the morning on porridge or as a dessert.
But lets chat about the good stuffs! Not only do they taste amazing but figs are a good source of bone-friendly minerals and include calcium, magnesium and phosphorus and also fibre and vitamins A, B1 and B2.
Here I have shared my personal favourite and of course a simple and beautiful way to roast your figs to enjoy as either a healthy breakfast or a cheeky dessert.
Honey and orange roasted figs
Twinn Pottery // Snack bowls
Ingredients
4 ripe figs, halved and quartered
1 tbsp clear honey
half an orange, grated zest and juice
6 tablespoons of Greek style yogurt
and a handful of shelled unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped.
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Place the cut figs into a shallow baking tray.
Mix the honey and orange juice in a small bowl, then pour over the figs.
2. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until sticky and soft.
3. While the figs are baking, place the Greek yogurt into a small bowl, add the zest of the orange and mix together.
4. To serve as a snack or dessert, divide the figs among 2 or 3 bowls and serve with a dollop of your orange Greek style yogurt with a sprinkling of chopped pistachios on top.
Alternatively add to porridge as a breakfast topper.
If you do give this recipe ago then please don’t forget to give yourself permission to truly indulge in the delicate and sweet favour! why not curl up on the sofa with this little treat in hand and listen to some Ben Howard for 20mins...I just can’t see how or why you would regret it!
Let me know what you think.
Love
Faye
x
