Figs Poached in Coffee and Orange Syrup with Mascarpone

, from Issue #38. September, 2015
Photography by Manja Wachsmuth.
Figs Poached in Coffee and Orange Syrup with Mascarpone

A beautiful blend of flavours. Poached figs and oranges served with a spoonful of mascarpone and drizzled coffee syrup for the perfect fruit desert.

INGREDIENTS

250 grams moist dried figs

Coffee syrup
¾ cup caster sugar
½ cup water
1 tablespoon instant espresso coffee granules or a 30ml espresso shot
zest of ½ an orange
1 tablespoon Triple Sec or other orange or coffee liqueur

To serve
mascarpone
3 oranges

METHOD

Figs: Hold the figs by the stem and gently mould them back into their original shape.

Syrup: Put the sugar, water, coffee and orange zest in a small saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Simmer for two minutes then add the figs and simmer for five minutes, stirring to coat in the syrup. Stir in the Triple Sec or liqueur of your choice and tip into a bowl. Cool then cover and chill.

To serve: Peel the oranges with a sharp knife to remove the skin and white pith. Slice thinly and arrange on serving plates. Top with 2-3 figs and a spoonful of mascarpone then drizzle with the coffee syrup.