Figs with Balsamic Vinegar, Mascarpone, and Walnuts

From the kitchen of Carly

Plump dried figs surrender to red wine and balsamic, turning jammy and deep. Toasted walnuts add crunch, while a cool dollop of mascarpone cuts the syrupy sweetness. Warm, simple, and elegant enough for company.

Prep
n/a
Cook
n/a
Total
n/a
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 11 cup dry red wine
  • 11/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 11/2 cup sugar
  • 11 pound dried Mission figs, stems discarded
  • 13/4 cup walnut pieces (2 ounces), toasted
  • 11/2 cup mascarpone

Instructions

  1. Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Bring wine, vinegar, and sugar to a boil in a 3-quart heavy nonreactive saucepan over moderate heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then add figs and gently simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Pour figs with liquid into a 2-quart shallow glass or ceramic baking dish and sprinkle with walnuts. Bake, uncovered, until figs are softened and have absorbed about two thirds of liquid, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly, about 15 minutes.

  3. Serve warm figs with sauce and a dollop of mascarpone.