SPICED POACHED FIGS

Spiced Poached Figs image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups sweet white wine, such as Sauternes
3/4 cup sugar
2 two-inch strips fresh lemon peel
8 whole black peppercorns
1 two-inch-long cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 thin slices fresh ginger
2 whole star anise
3 green cardamom pods
8 large, whole green or purple figs
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
4 1/2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 vanilla bean

Steps:

Combine wine, sugar, lemon peel, peppercorns, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, thyme, ginger, star anise, and cardamom in a small, deep saucepan. Place pan over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Cover, and simmer 20 minutes more.
Add whole figs to the syrup; return to a simmer, cover, and poach gently until the figs are soft but not mushy, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer figs and syrup to a bowl, and let stand to cool, until no more steam rises. When cool, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Combine mascarpone and confectioners' sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Slit vanilla bean lengthwise, and, using a small paring knife, scrape out the seeds into the bowl with the mascarpone mixture. Stir together with a spoon or rubber spatula until well combined.
Remove chilled figs from the refrigerator, and let stand until room temperature. Transfer figs to another bowl, and strain syrup, discarding the solids.
Place 2 figs, sliced in half, in the center of each plate. Spoon some of the poaching liquid to cover plate, and place a dollop of vanilla mascarpone next to figs.