When I went to the market last weekend, I saw ripe figs for the first time. Real figs. They look nothing like I imagined (though I am not sure what I was picturing in the first place). I bought them out of curiosity and in the spirit of experimentation.
My first introduction to figs was on a long drive with my good friend Natasha. We had stopped at a gas station to fill the tank and she made it her mission to choose the best road trip food, which, as it turns out, are fig newtons. We nibbled away half a package in no time, laughing and seeing how many we could stuff in our mouths at once. Growing up in the plains of the Midwest, fig newtons were as close as I was going to get to the real deal.
Now that I have the real deal in my hands, I wanted to find a way to showcase the fig in its whole, glorious form. This just might be it.
These fleur de sel chocolate figs are intensely dark and decadent. The sea salt and the sugars in the fig become two parts in a precarious balancing act, closely toeing the line between ever so sweet and salty. This is a moody fruit, liable to change its nature at a moment's notice.
Fleur de Sel Chocolate Figs
Yields 4 treats
4 ripe figs
2 ounces dark chocolate (I used Lindt)
Pinch of fleur de sel (sea salt)
In a double broiler, melt the dark chocolate until smooth. Dip the ripe figs into the chocolate until they are coated in the chocolate. Set on waxed or parchment paper and let the chocolate set on the figs in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes.
Remove from the refrigerator and dip the figs in the chocolate to create a second layer (this is the most acceptable form of double dipping, isn't it?). Lightly sprinkle on the sea salt. Again, let the chocolate set in the refrigerator.
Once fully set, enjoy!
