When they're ripe, fresh figs are a luscious seasonal fruit - soft, rich and complex.
Unfortunately, they're a luxury in Hong Kong and despite their high price, they can be flavourless.
This dish uses honey, mascarpone and walnuts to bring out the taste of the figs.
For a really luxurious dessert, drizzle on raspberry sauce (raspberries, blended with sugar to taste and a little lemon juice, then strained to remove seeds).
1/4 cup walnuts 1 tsp water 3 tsp castor sugar 1 tbl butter 6 fresh figs, halved 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice A few thin shreds lemon zest 2 tbl honey 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese Raspberry sauce (optional) Toss the walnuts with the water, sprinkle with 2 tsp caster sugar and saute in dry (unoiled) pan until lightly toasted. Set aside to cool.
Heat butter in a shallow pan until sizzling. Put in figs, cut side up, and cook for a few minutes. Add in lemon zest, sprinkle figs with 1 tsp sugar, turn them over and sear over high heat. Stir in lemon juice, cook for one more minute, and then remove figs to plates. Drizzle with honey and serve with mascarpone cheese, toasted walnuts and raspberry sauce, if desired.
