Fig Bliss Recipe

Prepare dried figs

Place chopped dried figs in a small heatproof bowl. Pour 2 tablespoons of hot water over them and let sit 10 minutes to plump. Drain any excess liquid and reserve plumping liquid.

Cook fresh figs

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the quartered fresh figs, plumped dried figs, light brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, and orange zest. Stir gently to combine.

Thicken filling

Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Bring the fig mixture to a gentle simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook 1–2 minutes until mixture slightly thickens and figs are glossy but still hold some shape. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Let cool to room temperature (about 20 minutes).

Whip cream

Chill a medium bowl and beaters for 5 minutes if possible. Pour cold heavy cream into the bowl and whip until soft peaks form (about 1–2 minutes).

Make mascarpone mixture

In another bowl, combine mascarpone, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir until smooth and slightly fluffy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until uniform and light, taking care not to deflate the cream.

Assemble base

Spoon or pipe the mascarpone crème into four serving glasses or bowls, filling each about two-thirds full and smoothing the top with a spoon.

Toast walnuts

Place chopped walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from pan and let cool.

Finish assembly

Spoon 3–4 tablespoons of the cooled fig filling over each mascarpone base. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of toasted walnuts over each. Season lightly with a pinch (about 1/32 tsp) of fine sea salt across the top of all servings to enhance flavor.

Garnish

Drizzle about 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon honey over each serving (use remaining tablespoon total across servings). Finish with a small mint leaf and a light dusting of lemon zest on each. Chill for 10 minutes if desired, or serve immediately.