Caramelized Fig & Cognac Liqueur Part 1

If you start now, you can have a rich and deeply flavored fig liqueur for the rest of the year, or for Christmas gifts, or both.

Last year, I tried this out and was blown away by the results.  Not only is it good to sip every once in a while, but it makes a great flavoring for whipped cream (like on these French Silk Pies, apple pie and various cocktails.  My family was pretty clear that I had to make more this year, and many friends and members of extended family spoke up and requested it for Christmas.  The flavor of the caramelized fig melds with the rich flavor of the cognac to create this amazing liqueur.  So without further ado...

Supplies:

2 750 ml bottles of cognac

2 additional glass bottles 750-800 ml each (I found these tall glass water bottles at a discount store)

1 lb Black figs 

1 lb Green Figs (or double up on the black)

5 cups sugar

"Spaghetti" (squash)

For a healthier, and still very tasty alternative, try spaghetti squash.  Now, this is by no means a replacement for a good plate of pasta, but it is a great occasional dinner, or side.


Cut in half and de-seed a spaghetti squash.  Cover each half in plastic wrap and microwave for about 10 minutes each (or roast on a pan in the oven on 350 for about 45 minutes.

Now, scoop all the yummy squash out from the inside (it is okay if some of the squash is still stuck together).  It will string apart and start to look a bit like spaghetti.  Saute your squash in olive oil, garlic, onions and salt (add other seasonings to taste if you are going to eat it plain).

Now serve it with your favorite spaghetti sauce and meat if you so desire.


Enjoy!

Non-pizza

Okay, not really.  It is actually naan pizza I want to talk about today.  And by the way, I won't take all credit; I heard about it through the grapevine.

My favorite store, Trader Joe's sells this really excellent frozen naan.  If you want a really great and really easy dinner option, this is your ticket.  Paired with Indian curries or eaten with hummus, it will make a great dinner any night... but, drum roll please, it also makes awesome pizza!

Lay your frozen pieces of garlic naan out on a counter, add pesto or tomato sauce or garlic and oil, and then add your favorite toppings.  Bake for about 7-10 minutes on 400, and viola, delicious pizza is yours.  If you are tired of the same old toppings, here are a few suggestions:

Goat cheese, asparagus tips, and smoked salmon

A fine grating of Parmesan cheese, sun dried tomatoes and spinach leaves

Feta Cheese, kalamata olives and artichoke hearts.

Enjoy!