Recipe: Raw Honey Roasted Figs

I've never cooked figs before, but I sure do love warm fruit over ice cream...and since my fig tree is bursting with fruit, I figured I'd give it a whirl!  This is a very simple recipe, but served in vintage cocktail glasses makes an impressive dessert.  The best part is that the roasting process creates a sauce perfect for drizzling and serving.  I didn't make the ice cream from scratch...just bought a nice quality "homemade" vanilla at the store, adding to the simplicity of the preparation.

• 12-16 fresh figs, halved
• 3 tbsp raw honey, such as Bee Raw Maine Blueberry Honey
• 1/4 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla
• Juice of 1/2 small lemon
• 2-3 Sprigs of fresh rosemary

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Arrange sliced figs (flesh side up) in a baking dish, just large enough so that there isn't much room between them.
3. Drizzle with the honey.
4. Combine lemon juice and vanilla in a small bowl.  Drizzle over the figs.
5. Top with the sprigs of rosemary, bake for 15 minutes until the juices start to run.
6. Remove from the oven, and let stand for 5 minutes.  Serve over scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe: Brown Sugar + Brown Butter Derby Pecans

These delectable pecans are wonderful for any party or gathering where drinks are served. Made with browned butter and brown sugar, they are a wonderful compliment to bourbon-based cocktails, such as the Mint Julep.  Long after the Kentucky Derby is over, you can make these nuts and package them in mason jars for edible gifts!

Brown Sugar + Brown Butter Derby Pecans

• 10 oz of halved pecans
• 4 tbsp of butter
• 4 tbsp of brown sugar
• Rosemary chopped and leaves for garnishing
• Sea salt

Preheat the oven to 250. Spread the pecan halves on a large baking sheet.  Bake them for 15 minutes.  

When there are 5 minutes to go, brown your butter.  Cook butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once butter is melted it will foam up a bit, then subside. Keep stirring, a few minutes later the butter will be light brown and then will turn into a deeper brown color, you should be smelling the butter at this point.  Takes about 2-4 minutes. Remove pan from heat immediately.  

Take pecans out of oven and put into saucepan, add brown sugar and rosemary, stir.  Once incorporated, arrange pecans back onto baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Take out of oven and sprinkle with sea salt.  Serve warm or store in an airtight container for a future party.  

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