📝 About This Recipe
This elegant dessert celebrates the concentrated honey-like sweetness of sun-dried figs, proving that refined sugar is entirely unnecessary for a sophisticated finish to a meal. Creamy, tangy goat cheese provides a velvety contrast to the chewy texture of the fruit, while a hint of citrus zest and earthy herbs elevate the flavor profile. It is a timeless Mediterranean-inspired treat that balances savory complexity with natural floral notes.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fruit Base
- 18 pieces Dried Mission or Turkish Figs (large, plump, and stems removed)
- 1 cup Hot Water (for softening if figs are very dry)
The Creamy Filling
- 6 ounces Soft Goat Cheese (Chèvre) (at room temperature for easy blending)
- 1 tablespoon Heavy Cream (to help whip the cheese to a mousse consistency)
- 1 teaspoon Orange Zest (finely grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Leaves (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (alcohol-based, sugar-free)
The Crunch and Garnish
- 1/2 cup Walnut Halves (roughly chopped)
- 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon (ground)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt Flakes (for finishing)
- 6 pieces Fresh Mint Leaves (torn for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Balsamic Glaze (optional, ensure it is a reduction with no added sugar)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Inspect your dried figs; if they feel particularly tough or leathery, place them in a small bowl and cover with hot (not boiling) water for 5 minutes to rehydrate slightly. Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
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2
Using a sharp paring knife, trim off the hard woody stem at the top of each fig.
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3
Cut a deep slit lengthwise down the side of each fig to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
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4
Gently use your thumbs to press the center of the fig outward, expanding the cavity to make plenty of room for the filling.
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5
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts. Toast for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until they smell nutty and appear golden brown.
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6
Remove the walnuts from the heat immediately and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of cinnamon while still warm. Set aside to cool.
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7
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature goat cheese, heavy cream, orange zest, minced thyme, and vanilla extract.
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8
Using a sturdy rubber spatula or a hand mixer on low speed, whip the cheese mixture until it is smooth, airy, and well-combined.
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9
Transfer the whipped goat cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip, or simply use a small spoon if you prefer a more rustic look.
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10
Carefully pipe or spoon approximately 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the cheese mixture into the center of each prepared fig.
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11
Press one or two pieces of the toasted walnuts into the cheese filling of each fig, ensuring they are securely nestled.
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12
Arrange the stuffed figs on a slate board or a decorative serving platter.
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13
Finish the dish with a very light dusting of sea salt flakes to make the natural sugars in the fruit pop.
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14
Garnish the platter with torn mint leaves and an optional tiny drizzle of sugar-free balsamic reduction for a gourmet visual touch.
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15
Serve immediately at room temperature for the best texture and flavor release.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use room temperature goat cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free whipped filling. If you prefer a milder flavor, swap half of the goat cheese for plain cream cheese or ricotta. For an extra layer of flavor, add a drop of food-grade rose water or orange blossom water to the cheese. Avoid over-soaking the figs; they should be pliable but not mushy or waterlogged. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a glass of crisp, chilled sparkling water infused with lemon and cucumber. Serve alongside a selection of raw almonds and olives for a complete 'meze' style dessert board. Accompany with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea; the bergamot notes complement the orange zest beautifully. Place atop a bed of wild arugula if you wish to serve this as a sophisticated sweet-and-savory salad course. Works wonderfully as a passed appetizer for cocktail parties or holiday gatherings.