Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Ingredient of the Day: Green Figs


Green Figs

A few years ago, I was introduced to the green fig. When I pulled it apart with my fingers, I was shocked to discover that its juicy center was a beautiful bright pink.

Figs are now quite possibly one of my favorite fruits. The wonderful thing about them is that they're seasonal, so just when I feel I can't possibly eat one more, they're gone!

These days, I have a fig tree in my backyard. So, I'm always fighting off other neighborhood creatures for a handful of little plump delights: yesterday it was a gathering of brightly colored birds, then a lizard and later in the evening, a possum. Everybody loves figs. Except my mother.

My mother believes figs are an acquired taste. They're earthy, yet extremely sweet. And she simply cannot acquire the taste long enough to actually fall in love with them! But oh, how I have tried and tried!

So, tomorrow, I'll feature one of the great recipes I created along the road to the fig-conversion of my mother: Pizza!