Figs Flambe With Port And Gelato Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat broiler. In a large heavy ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter; sprinkle with sugar. Add figs to skillet, and stir gently to combine. Season with pepper. Turn figs cut side up, and place skillet under the broiler until the figs are browned around the edges, about 4 minutes.
• Remove from broiler, and carefully pour port over figs. Ignite with a match. When flame subsides, transfer figs to a plate with a slotted spoon; set aside. Return skillet to medium-high heat, and reduce liquid until thick and syrupy, by about one-half. Remove from heat, and return figs to skillet. Spoon syrup over figs to coat. Spoon figs and syrup over gelato, dividing evenly, and serve.

Steps:

• In a saucepan combine the wine, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Bring the liquid to a boil over moderately high heat, stirring, and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Add the figs and simmer just until figs are heated through. Let cool to warm. Arrange scoops of gelato in two stemmed glasses and top with the figs and some of the poaching liquid. Garnish with mint if desired.

Steps:

• Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and boil the syrup until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
• Mix the puree with the cool syrup, then stir in the "neutral" stabilizing powder, whisking for 5 minutes. (The stabilizing powder prevents ice crystals from forming and helps ensure a smooth textured gelato.) Chill the gelato base thoroughly then process it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spoon the gelato into containers and freeze until ready to serve.