Italian Desserts Recipes - Figs in Brandy (Fichi al Gognac) Recipe

Ingredients                                 

• 1 lemon

• 900 g/2 lb/4 cups granulated sugar

• 450 ml/2 cups water

• 6 cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 30 ml/2 tbsp chopped preserved ginger

• 16 large fresh figs

• 120 ml/4 fl oz/1/2 cup brandy

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Method:

1. Remove the pips and ends and slice the lemon thinly. Sterilize three 600 ml/2 1/2 cup size jars.

2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cloves cinnamon sticks, lemon slices and ginger pieces. Cook over a very low heat until the sugar has melted.

3. Add the figs and continue to cook slowly for 40 minutes. Remove the figs from the saucepan and place in the jars.

4. Divide the cloves, cinnamon sticks, lemon slices and ginger pieces equally between the jars. Boil the syrup for 5 minutes and skim the top twice.

5. Allow to cool for 5 minutes. Add an equal quantity of brandy to each jar and fill the jars with the syrup.

6. Cover and seal the jars. Allow to stand in a cool, dark place for at least one month before using.