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Cooking With Figs - Desserts, Salads, & Spreads | Joanne Weir's Plates and Places | KQED

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Fig Pantorte is a traditional American dessert that showcases the sweet and unique flavor of figs, often enjoyed during the fall harvest season. This cake is a beloved treat at gatherings and potlucks, where its moist texture and rich flavor can be appreciated by all. Modern variations may include different nuts or spices, but the essence remains the same: a celebration of seasonal produce and home baking.

Ingredients

  • fresh figs
  • all-purpose flour
  • sugar
  • butter
  • eggs
  • baking powder
  • vanilla extract
  • salt
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg
  • milk
  • powdered sugar
  • cream cheese
  • walnuts
  • lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Grease and flour a baking pan.
  3. 3In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. 4Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. 5Stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice.
  6. 6In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  7. 7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.
  8. 8Fold in chopped fresh figs and walnuts gently.
  9. 9Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
  10. 10Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  11. 11Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  12. 12For the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  13. 13Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
  14. 14Garnish with additional figs and walnuts if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a unique flavor while reducing saturated fat.

cream cheese

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt lowers calories and adds protein.

fresh figs

Healthier: dried figs

Cheaper: raisins

Dried figs or raisins can provide similar sweetness and texture.

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: oat flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

Techniques

creamingfoldingbaking

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking panwhiskspatulawire rack
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggstree-nutswheat

Also Known As

Fig CakeFicattore

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts)
  • 1 cup dried figs, chopped
  • 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup candied orange peel, chopped
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  3. 3In a large bowl, combine the mixed nuts, dried figs, dried apricots, and candied orange peel.
  4. 4In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  5. 5In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it becomes liquid.
  6. 6Pour the warm honey into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
  7. 7Add the nut and fruit mixture to the batter and stir until evenly distributed.
  8. 8Fold in the chopped dark chocolate until well incorporated.
  9. 9Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  10. 10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the center is slightly soft.
  11. 11Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Equipment

8-inch square baking panParchment paperMixing bowlsWhiskSaucepanSpatula
vegetariangluten-freenut-free

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed foraged greens (such as dandelion, purslane, and wild arugula)
  • 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Marcona almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the mixed foraged greens, chopped dried figs, and toasted Marcona almonds.
  2. 2In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  3. 3Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  4. 4If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad.
  5. 5Serve immediately as a fresh and vibrant dish.

Equipment

large bowlsmall bowlwhisk
veganplant-based

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh figs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped figs, sugar, and water.
  2. 2Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. 3Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the figs are soft.
  4. 4Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. 5Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  6. 6Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before transferring to a blender or food processor.
  7. 7Blend until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky if preferred.
  8. 8Transfer the fig spread to a clean jar and let it cool completely before sealing.
  9. 9Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Equipment

medium saucepanblender or food processorjar for storage

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