Ed and I visited northern California during the summer of 2009. This trip included a few memorable days in Sonoma and Napa. One of the wineries we visited was Cakebread where we tasted some great wines and I also signed up for their “recipe of the month” emails.
One of the first I received included the recipe below. I had tried to make a fig spread prior but it didn’t turn out as good as this one! Think of it as the filling in a Fig Newton, but even better because it’s made with wine. I usually double the recipe so when I’m putting together a cheese tray I always have some on hand as it pairs well with all sorts of cheeses.
I am sure Cakebread would like me to use their wine, but they’re just a bit too-high end to cook with – would rather drink them!
Cakebread Fig Spread
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup dry red wine such as Merlot
- 8 ounces dried black mission figs stemmed and halved
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon anise seed
Instructions
- Combine the wine, figs, bay leaf, and anise seed in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes, until the figs are rehydrated and soft. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Remove the bay leaf, transfer to a food processor, and purée.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to two months.
Source: Adapted from The Recipes of Cakebread’s Bruschetta with Black Mission Figs and Gorgonzola
Nicole – this looks amazing. We love good fruit spreads with our salumi. We found one in Venice of apples and horseradish – you should try it! (It’s on Cocoa & Lavender) We will be making this – and I think maybe even using it to fashion some homemade Newtons!
David – We love horseradish – I will absolutely look for that recipe on C&L. This is so easy to make, tastes great and keeps for a long time. Love the idea of you making homemade Newtowns from it. Yummy!