Name: Seared Figs with Honey
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces small fresh figs , halved; ¼ teaspoon table salt; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into 3 pieces; ¼ cup honey; ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Why This Recipe Works

Something magical happens when you halve fresh figs and sear them. We cooked them in butter until the cut sides caramelized, givinge them a deep, butterscotch-y flavor. Swirling in honey after they started to brown allowed the figs to continue to soften and release liquid that mingled with the honey to create a sweet, sticky sauce. One-half teaspoon of tart lemon juice cut some of the sweetness to balance these figs so that they're just as good spooned over ice cream or paired with cheese.

Before You Begin

We prefer to use small figs that are 1 inch or less in diameter. If you can find only large figs, quarter them instead of halving. We suggest serving these figs over vanilla ice cream or ricotta cheese or on a cheese board.

Instructions

Sprinkle cut sides of figs with salt. Melt butter in 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add figs cut sides down and cook until figs are starting to brown on bottoms, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in honey and lemon juice. Cook until figs are just starting to soften all over, about 1 minute longer. Serve. (Figs can be refrigerated for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.)