Vanilla-Port Poached Figs with Honey Cream

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1/2 cup port wine
• 12 ripe figs, quartered
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup honey

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, vanilla bean, and port wine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add the figs and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and let the figs cool in the liquid.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream and honey until soft peaks form. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
5. To serve, spoon the figs and syrup into individual serving dishes and top each one with a dollop of the honey cream.

Interesting Facts

• Fig is one of the oldest cultivated fruits, as it was grown in ancient Egypt and in the Middle East.
• Port wine is a fortified wine made from grapes grown in the Douro Valley in Portugal.
• Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron.