Figs with Mascarpone

The taste of fresh figs is so good, there is nothing to compare. Fresh figs taste delicious all on their own. However, this simple dessert recipe makes a beautiful, as well as, tasteful presentation. If you do not like the slightly sharp flavor of mascarpone cheese, try the yogurt or whip cream instead.

Ingredients

• 6 to 8 fresh figs
• 1¼ cups cherry, raspberry or strawberry juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup berry topping sauce, strained (try Smuckers Triple Berry Topping Sauce)
• ½ cup mascarpone cheese, or vanilla yogurt, or whip cream

Directions

1. Wash figs with cold water and place in a bowl.
2. In a saucepot, warm the juice, cinnamon stick and lemon juice just to the boiling point. Remove from heat and pour over figs. Allow to soak for at least one hour.
3. Slice the figs in half.
4. Pour a few tablespoons of berry topping (after straining through a fine mesh) onto four or six serving plates.
5. Arrange two or three fig halves onto the sauce on each serving plate.
6. Serve with a spoonful of mascarpone or yogurt or whip cream. Enjoy with a hot cup of Espresso!