The late summer sun ripens the figs faster than we can pick them.
I ran home and stuffed the figs into the back of the fridge drawer. It was late and I still had to make curry.
A couple of days later, Shawn was looking for something when he found them.
He turned to our li’l Daisy and said, “Mommy’s crazy. She bought figs.”
All I could think about was how good Mom’s fig preserve would taste on a cold, rainy night with a warm cup of Earl Grey.
Mom’s Fig Preserve
5 lbs small green figs
5 lbs caster sugar
1/2 cup vodka
juice of 1 lemon
4 Tb rose water*
Wash figs, allow them to air-dry. Using a small fork, poke holes into the firm ones. Cover with sugar and allow them to rest until figs get juicy.
After a couple of hours, add vodka and cook on medium-high heat, gently stirring occasionally.
Remove the froth that appears on top.
Once the syrup forms, add rose water & lemon juice, bring to a quick boil,
then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Add lemon juice and rose water.
Store in sterilized jars. Be sure that the syrup covers the top of the fruit.
This preserve will keep for years in the refrigerator.
On a rainy, autumn evening, brew a good pot of Earl Grey and enjoy the
figs with someone you love.
*Note: Not all rose waters are good. Get Cortas brand rose water – it’s the best.
