Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the sun-drenched orchards of Italy! This decadent dessert is not just a recipe; it's a symphony of flavors that combines the natural sweetness of fresh figs, the warmth of cinnamon, the crunch of toasted hazelnuts, and the creamy embrace of vanilla ice cream. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious moment of pure indulgence, this show-stopping dessert promises to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 fresh figs
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until they become fragrant and their skins begin to crack. Remove from heat and rub the nuts in a clean kitchen towel to remove most of the loose skins.
- Roughly chop the toasted hazelnuts into coarse pieces, setting aside a few whole nuts for garnish.
- Wash the fresh figs gently and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Carefully trim off the stems and slice each fig in half lengthwise.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey and ground cinnamon until well combined, creating a spiced honey glaze.
- Arrange the fig halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Drizzle the spiced honey mixture evenly over the fig halves, using a pastry brush to ensure complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the honey-glazed figs, allowing some to nestle between the fig halves.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the figs are soft, slightly caramelized, and the edges begin to brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes to allow the honey to set slightly.
- Serve warm by placing 3 fig halves on each plate, topped with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with the reserved whole hazelnuts and an extra drizzle of honey if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm spiced figs and cold creamy ice cream.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fresh figs that are soft but not mushy - they should yield slightly when gently pressed.
- For the best flavor, use raw hazelnuts and toast them yourself to enhance their nutty aroma.
- Use a high-quality honey for the glaze to add depth and richness to the dish.
- Watch the figs carefully while roasting to prevent burning - they should caramelize but not char.
- Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the contrast between warm, spiced figs and cold ice cream.
- For a gourmet touch, try using a vanilla bean ice cream or adding a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
- If fresh figs are out of season, you can substitute with dried figs, adjusting the roasting time accordingly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
