Fig
Raw Chocolate Pudding
Editor's note: The recipe below is from Alex Jamieson's book, The Great American Detox Diet.
Figgy Scones
Drop scones are a boon for busy holiday bakers, since they're a snap to make and almost foolproof. These bake up light and fluffy. A touch of maple syrup and pieces of fig make them just sweet enough — ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Honey Pan Dulce with Nuts and Dried Fruit
A classic Christmas bread from one of Buenos Aires's most famous bakeries, Las Violetas.
Warm Black Mission Fig, Walnut Crunch, and Blue Cheese Tartlets
This delicious last course is a little sweet and a little savory—like dessert and a cheese plate in one dish. If you can't find fresh figs, buy dried black Mission figs, soak them in warm water until very soft, then drain and pat dry.
Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese and Peppered Honey
Adding pepper to the honey makes this classic Mediterranean dish new.
Stilton with Della Robbia Fruits and Nuts
This festive arrangement was inspired by the popular holiday wreaths decorated with fruits. They take their name from Luca Della Robbia, the 15th-century Florentine sculptor known for crafting lifelike garlands of leaves and fruits.
Dried Fruit Nougats
For Kill Bill, Uma Thurman had 10 weeks to lose 50 post-baby pounds. "I was being trained from every angle. Nine to five, five days a week. Every part of me hurt," she says. Easier to take: no-deprivation diet changes that Jackie Keller, founder of L.A. food-delivery service NutriFit, masterminded. Her dried-fruit nougats satisfied Thurman's chocolate yen.
Fig and Port Wine Charoset
In addition to its traditional role on the Seder plate, this charoset is delicious as a condiment for duck or roast beef.
Fig Swirls
The intricate swirls are attained with a specific kitchen skill: slice and bake. You'll get a little sweet pastry and a little fig filling in every bite.
Hazelnut Panforte
A prized Christmas sweet from Tuscany, panforte means "strong bread" — but it's more like an almost-flourless fruitcake.
Dulce de Leche Ice Cream with Honey-Orange Roasted Figs
IMPROV: No fresh figs? Dried ones work just fine, too. The only adjustment that you will need to make is the baking time — 45 minutes instead of 20.
Lemon Flan with Autumn Fruit Compote
The compote is a mixture of spiced fresh and dried fruits that are cooked in white grape juice and white wine. Any leftovers are great over ice cream or with plain yogurt for breakfast. Prepare the compote and flans at least one day before you plan to serve them.
Cornmeal and Fig Cake with Pine Nuts
Polenta stands in for flour with delicious results in this Venetian dessert.