Figs in Wine Syrup

Adapted from a recipe on SippitySup.com. I have used both a late harvest zinfandel and a merlot for this. Inexpensive wines are fine, as they are reduced and sweetened. This will keep three days in the fridge. The figs can be frozen in the syrup, but will soften more because the ice crystals will break the cell walls. I suspect this recipe would be good for canning, although I have not tried it. Figs in regular sugar syrups need to be acidified and processed in a boiling water bath for 45 (pints) to 50 (quarts) minutes, which would poach the fruit. They are a gorgeous red color and are good with ice cream, cheeses (brie would be good), yogurt, or mascarpone.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3  cups red wine
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2  lemon, juice of
• 1  lemon, zest of
• 3  whole star anise
• 8  whole black peppercorns
• 5  whole  juniper berries
• 12  ripe fresh figs, washed and stemmed

Directions

1. Place the wine, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and spices in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 1/2 hour. It should have a syrupy consistency.
2. Cut an X into the tops of the figs. If they vary in size, cut the larger ones into pieces about the size of the smaller ones.
3. Add the figs to the hot reduced wine syrup and let cool before serving. If refrigerated, bring them up to room temperature before serving.