Easy Homemade Fig Preserves

Are there some foods that take you back to childhood? If you're a child of the 70's or 80's, you may agree that figs are a childhood friend. It's been ages since I've had Fig Newton though. I actually had to look up to see if they even still made them (they do). Now, I usually just enjoy the figs ... sorry newton!

I am a just jelly and jam fan. Not necessarily for the sandwiches, but for appetizers. A good jam with a yummy cheese is a guilty pleasure of mine. I know ... it's not that guilty, but I'll take it. Fig preserves pair well with many things ... goat cheese, cream cheese (regular and vegan), brie ,,, they do pair well with more than cheese too ... sandwiches or crostini appetizers are a hit around here too. Some of you meat eaters may enjoy them on a turkey sandwich. I guess what I'm saying is, the options are endless.

As you can see, my kids are fig fans too too!

Fig Preserves

Makes 1 1/2 cups

8 oz mission figs, stems removed
1/2 c water
1/2 c orange juice
1/2 c sugar
1 T lemon juice
2/4 t minced ginger
1/2 t cinnamon
dash of cayenne pepper

Put all ingredients into a pot.

Bring to a slow rolling boil for 15 minutes. The figs should be tender. Using a hand mixer or high speed blender, mix the ingredients together so that the figs are completely broken down. Enjoy!