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Quick & EasyBy Beverly Barbour
Strange as it may seem, figs are not a fruitFigs are actually not a fruit buy an inverted flower with more than 1,000 blossoms, or seeds, within each fig. Tiny fig moths that live inside the fruit take care of the fertilization problem. When a female wasp leaves her home fig to go lay her eggs, her wings get coated with pollen from the male flowers inside the fig. She then flies to another fig tree, bringing the pollen with her and fertilizes a new fig. Though mentioned often in the Bible, figs are most famously associated with the story of Creation. When Adam and Eve leave the Garden of Eden, the cover themselves with fig leaves. Some scholars feel that the forbidden fruit was actually a fig, not an apple. Figs were one of the first cultivated fruit trees, probably as early as 4,000 B.C. in Egypt or Arabia. They were worshiped wherever they went, often for beliefs relating to sensuality and fertility. The East Indian Banyan tree, is sacred in India and interwoven with Indian mythology - the Banyan is a fig tree. But, one does no have to be holier than thou to enjoy the succulent fig. The ripest, best-tasting figs are very soft and not so good looking as they were when younger (like most of us), but for the best taste look for skin that is beginning to shrivel and crack. When fully ripe, they are very perishable so refrigerate the ripe ones and you will add a few day to their lives. STUFFED FIGS, AS A SWEET
Lovely at a shower, on a tea table, or as a gift figs Remove the stems and make an opening in each fig. Combine cherries, pecans and ginger and stuff each fig. Roll in sugar and serve in small paper cups. FIGS IN WINE, AS A DESSERT
A simple but impressive dessert that you can make in minutes. 12 figs, stems removed Stuff figs with almond halves while heating the wine in a double boiler or sauce pan. Stir in sugar and lemon juice. When it is hot add the figs; cover and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes (figs should stay whole). Serve hot with heavy cream. Makes 4 servings. BROILED FISH WITH FIGS AND DATES
This idea has been around for a long, long time. 6 slices bacon Cut bacon into pieces long enough to wrap one time around the figs and dates. Remove the hard stem end of figs and make a gash on sides with a sharp paring knife. Mix together equal quantities of Roquefort and cream cheese and fill the figs; wrap in bacon, securing with a wooden pick. Pit dates and fill with equal quantities of cream cheese and ham.; also wrap in bacon. Thread the figs and dates on a skewer and broil, turning several times, until the bacon is crisp. Serve hot or keep warm in covered dish. Makes 24 appetizers. SAUSAGES WITH FRESH FIG
An easy appetizer or main dish. 3 lbs.. pork sausages with garlic Simmer sausage in salted water to cover until medium-rare. About 6 minutes. Drain well and brush lightly with olive oil. Grill or broil, turning often until lightly browned. Meanwhile, brush figs with olive oil and grill or broil just until the begin to soften, about 3 minutes - do not overcook. Serve together on a platter and sprinkle with a little more olive oil and the vinegar. Serve warm or cold. Makes 6 appetizer servings. EVER WONDER WHERE THE EXPRESSION "I DON'T CARE A FIG ABOUT THAT' CAME FROM? IT'S A LITTLE BIT MORE APPETIZING THAN SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS
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