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Inside Market Hall

Walking in a Figgy Wonderland

08 December 2014

'Tis the season for richness and sweetness, and what better way to indulge in it than with luscious Calabrian fig products from Garritano.

For more than 100 years, the Garritano family has crafted dried and preserved fig specialties from the prized Dottato figs of Calabria, Italy. From generation to generation, the techniques, traditions and fiercely guarded family recipes have remained unchanged, resulting in consistently wonderful figgy treats.

Presenting three ways to sweeten your holiday table with figs:

baked fig ballThe Pallone di Fichi (Baked Fig Ball) is made with figs that are poached in a secret syrup, packed by hand into a ball, carefully wrapped in fig leaves and baked in a low oven. As they dry, the leaves perfume the figs within, resulting in incredible aroma and concentrated flavors of caramel and licorice.

Serving Suggestion: Slice into the fig ball with a sharp knife and breathe in its wonderful smoky-sweet fragrance. Then present with soft cheeses such as ricotta, fresh pecorino and gorgonzola.

 

 

panetto di fichiExclusive to Market Hall Foods, Panetto di Fichi is a rich, disk-shaped fruitcake, dense with dried figs and dark chocolate. Finely ground nuts contribute to the satisfying chew, and orange zest adds just a hint of refined bitterness. Apricot jam, white wine and spices round out every full-flavored bite.

Just Add Cheese: Sweet and savory Panetto di Fichi goes with everything from fresh goat cheese to aged cheddar. For a cheese plate revelation, serve slices of fig cake instead of bread or crackers and top with blue cheese.

 

 

garritano fig syrupRich, dark Calabrian Fig Syrup is made from figs that have been cooked until silken and intensely flavored. At holiday time, this special but surprisingly versatile ingredient becomes a cocktail party essential. For a stunning spread, drizzle fig syrup over an array of hors d'oeuvres and petite sweets including crostini with duck confit, slices of aged cheese, cheesecake squares and (for double the fig factor) fresh figs sitting in pretty spoons.

Drink Your Figs: Mix 1-2 teaspoons fig syrup, 1½ ounces bourbon and a dash of bitters in an Old Fashioned glass. Add ice, stir and finish with a twist of orange.

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