Fresh figs from the neighbours tree |
According my buddy Google, you can't ripen them off the tree, I thought its worth a try so left them in a bowl for a few days. I also read that they are ripe when the stud at the bottom starts to open.
Fig and Manuka honey tarts |
I decided EASY was the way to go and happened to have some sweet pastry in the fridge from a failed attempt at jammy pinwheels for morning tea at school. I also decided that the figs needed, as they say in France a little bit of "Je ne sais quois"...
A type of syrup would work but keeping it EASY, I though why not honey - its syrupy, sweet and even better I had a pot of delicious Manuka honey sitting in my fridge.
Delicious with Greek yoghurt |
1 packet of sweet short crust pastry
Fresh figs 1 small one per tart
Honey 2 teaspoons per tart
How to make
Put the pastry into muffin trays and smooth up the side - no need to line or butter.
There is no need to blind bake either
Chop up the figs in cubes and place into the pastry parcels.
Drizzle 2 teaspoons of melted honey onto each tart.
Bake for about 20 minutes at 180 degrees or until the pastry is golden.
Remove form the trays after about 5-10 minutes. (If you leave them in the trays the honey sets like toffee so they may stick!)
If you are lucky enough to discover a fig tree you can raid - get cracking and give these treats ago!
If you get beautiful ripe figs, make a BIG tart and slice the figs into quarters and arrange in a stunning circular pattern. Serve with yogurt, ice cream or custard.
Vanessa
Hosted this month by Emma @ www.mydarlinglemonthyme.com
Check out her beautiful blog and if you live in NZ get involved in the monthly blogging event - Sweet New Zealand...
I went up to my tree on the road but only one single fig was ripe!
ReplyDeleteNice tarts, entry for Sweet NZ??? This month's host is Emma, info here
http://www.mydarlinglemonthyme.com/2012/03/sweet-new-zealand.html
ciao
Alessandra
Hey yes - I know we have been promising to get on to that - A job for this weekend...
ReplyDeleteMy figs weren't particularly ripe BUT worked in a tart with greek yoghurt.
I cant seem to beat the birds to them and as they aren't my trees LOL cant really start putting netting on them.
Vanessa
I always love the look of figs & I do try to love them as everyone raves about them so! Haven't gone down the tart route but these look fantastic :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mari, the only problem is getting them ripe! If you see any ripe ones on your travels let me know...
ReplyDeleteVanessa
I just love figs and planted a tree two years ago, this year was to be my first mini crop but while away for work the past two weeks the fruit exploded ....boo..hoo. Lucky me though, a friend just sent a tray of them round so I will be busy this weekend. They are soft too but still green, I think it is the type of fig. Alli@peasepudding
ReplyDeleteYeah maybe you are right about it being the type of fig, I keep sneaking into the neighbours to check and they are going ruby red on the outside and quite soft but only a hint of pinkness inside... They taste OK but like I said in the blog - pretty neutral and nothing I would RAVE about...
ReplyDeleteThe leaves are nearly all gone on the tree too so I am thinking its nearly all over.
Vanessa
I'm with Mairi, I feel like I've spent my whole adult life trying to like figs... that time finally came a few years ago when I made fig and ginger jam! I've always loved dried figs, so it seems I just prefer the flavour of cooked/dried figs over fresh. There are different varieties of figs too, and I think the ones you have don't really get all that sweet and pink in the centre.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your Sweet NZ entry xx