Fig Brandy And Brandied Figs

Fig Brandy And Brandied Figs
4.5 from 2 ratings
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When fresh figs are ripe and rich with honeyed flavor, spend just a few minutes in the kitchen to prepare for the holiday season ahead. Use inexpensive brandy. After a month, the liquid transforms to a syrupy, sweet sip, sensational with a cookie or a bit of cheese. There's a bonus, too. The figs will be infused with the citrusy, herbal brandy, ready to slice thin and serve over ice cream or match slim wedges with creamy blue cheese.—Cathy BarrowThis recipe is from columnist and cookbook author Cathy Barrow, and was originally published in the Chicago Tribune.
Prep Time
20
minutes
Cook Time
1
minute
Servings
12
servings
Fig Brandy and Brandied Figs
Total time: 23.98 hours
Ingredients
  • 9 to 12 plump, ripe fresh figs (stems trimmed), preferably organic
  • 1 lemon, seeded and thinly sliced, preferably organic
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups brandy
Directions
  1. Pierce 9 to 12 fresh figs (4 or 5 times each) with a sharp knife. Place the figs in a wide-mouth quart glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, alternately layering in lemon slices (from 1 lemon) and 3 sprigs fresh thyme. Pack firmly and fill the jar, being careful not to split open any of the figs; sliced or broken fruit will make the brandy murky.
  2. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 cups brandy over the figs to fill the jar. Seal and place the jar in a dark cupboard and make a note on the calendar: Fig Brandy Ready in 30 days.
  3. After 30 days, pour the brandy through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar or gift bottle. The brandy will keep for 1 year. Serve chilled in small glasses.
  4. Discard the lemon slices and thyme. Store the brandied figs in a covered container in the refrigerator. The figs will keep for a month.
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