Figs are a such an intriguing and delicious fruit.  Ok, technically speaking, they’re not fruit but are basically the hollow end of a branch where the seeds and flowers are located.  The flowers are inside the fig and there’s a little opening at the bottom that allows a tiny wasp to enter and pollinate the flowers.  Neat, huh?

The first time I had one was while we were in Italy last Fall.  I don’t know how I went that long in life without eating one either.  On our first full day in Florence, we decided to hike up to see San Miniato al Monte and get a view of the city.  Before heading out, we hit up a local market to gather a few items. Coffee and cured meats were the first items on the list, but I knew I needed to try fresh figs while we were there.  They were incredibly ripe and fresh.  We wrapped them as delicately as we could and we were on our way.

Now that is a great view for enjoying your first fresh fig, right?

When I walked into the grocery store the other day (because I practically live there now) I was greeted by a giant display of fresh organic figs.  I may have started drooling…  I’m such a lady.

 

So I bought entirely too many figs, and brought them home with no real plan in place.  I’m good with the impulse buys at the grocery store.  Especially when I’m hungry!

With all the grilling we’ve been doing, I thought, why not?  Let’s grill these little cuties and see what happens.  Well, deliciousness happened.  I wanted to offset their natural sweetness so I decided to pair them up with a balsamic glaze.  Has anyone else burned the inside of their nose while standing over balsamic vinegar reducing in the pan?  That’s some strong stuff!  It’s like black gold though and it was totally worth it.

Real food is just so dang pretty.

These would make a great healthy dessert or addition to a table of appetizers for your next party!  Enjoy, my friends!

Grilled Figs with Vanilla Balsamic Glaze

Course: Appetizer
Author: Suzie Bauer

Ingredients

  • 10-12 Fresh Figs cut in half lengthwise

Glaze

  • 1/2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 tsp Honey
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, combine the glaze ingredients and heat to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The liquid should reduce by about half, and coat the back of a spoon.
  • Remove from heat to let cool. If not using right away, refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • To prepare the figs, heat the BBQ to about 400 F, or use a grill pan on medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill to prevent the figs from sticking.
  • Place the figs cut side down on the grill and let cook for about 5 minutes. The figs should have some nice grill marks without burning.
  • When the figs are done, place cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the figs and serve.