Gin-Poached Foraged Figs & Strawberry Salad
Author: Yvonne Cornell
Ingredients
  • Fig Bath:
  • ½ cup simple syrup (1/2 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup hot water. Store excess in refrigerator.)
  • 2 oz. gin
  • 1 oz vermouth (white wine is an okay substitute)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 TBSP lemon juice
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 strips lemon zest
  • 4 peppercorns
  • Handful of figs (6-8)
  • Salad Ingredients:
  • 2-4 cups arugula (2-4 persons)
  • Handful of strawberries, stems removed, halved or quartered
  • 7 poached figs, sliced in half or quarters
  • 1-2 TBSP toasted pinenuts (optional)
  • Vinaigrette:
  • 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar
  • 2 TBSP reduced & thickened gin & vermouth liquid
  • 2 TBSP olive oil
Instructions
  1. Place a small saucepan over medium heat, and add all the fig bath ingredients except the figs. Bring to a simmer.
  2. Add the sliced figs, making sure they are fully immersed in bath and cook for 5 minutes until soft but not mushy.
  3. Remove the figs with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool. Reduce the remaining syrup until thick.
  4. Once thickened, set the syrup aside to cool to room temperature.
  5. Meanwhile, layer arugula greens on each plate with sliced strawberries and cooled figs.
  6. Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and reduced fig syrup together in a small bowl.
  7. Drizzle vinaigrette on each salad or toss together in large salad bowl.
  8. Sprinkle nuts on top to finish.
Recipe by Yvonne Cornell at https://yvonnecornellphoto.com/2015/08/12/gin-poached-foraged-figs-strawberry-salad/