Fresh Figs Honey and Almond Mini Tarts

Light sweetness ,soft skin and crunchy seeds , these California grown Figs are perfect a mellow sensation. Rich source of minerals and vitamins, the sweetness and color intensifies as the fruit ripens.



Simple and elegant these free-form fresh fig tarts are incredibly easy to make.Most of the sweetness is from the luscious honey ,the almond filling at the base adds nutrition and heartiness to the tarts. Lightly sweet,I don't just reserve this for dessert ,but also enjoy them as a snack.




Recipe
Makes about 6 mini tarts.

Ingredients
For Pastry crust
2 cup Whole wheat pastry flour
3 tablespoon Organic butter or Vegetable Shortening(Trans fat free)or Virgin Pressed Coconut oil,cold
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground cinnamon
2-3 tablespoon cold water

For almond filling
1/2 cup almonds
2 tablespoon brown sugar


For Topping
8-10 Fig Figs ,hulled and quartered
1/4 cup Pure organic honey


Method
Prepare the dough
Sift the flour,salt and cinnamon in bowl. Mix in the butter or shortening,using a food processor pulse while adding the cold water ,until just combined in to a crumbly mixture. Or use 2 fork and break the butter in to flour and mix it up while adding the cold water.Wrap the dough in a plastic wrap and allow to refrigerate for 30 minutes

Prepare the Almond Filling
Toast the Almonds in 350F oven for 5-6 minutes.Cool and finely grind it in a Vitamix or coffee grinder. Mix in the sugar.

Bake the tarts
Preheat Oven to 350F
Unwrap the dough. Spread some all purpose flour on work surface.Divide the dough in to 6 equal portions.Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough about 4 inches in size.Pinch the sides of the pieces ,place them on a baking tray and spread about a tablespoon of almond mixture on each and arrange the quarters of the figs over it. Drizzle about 1-2 teaspoons of honey over each of the mini-tarts.Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the edges of tart are lightly crisp and brown.Serve warm. Can be refrigerated in an air-tight container for 2 weeks.

Dried Fig Bread(No sugar added)

Super moist bread ,as good as dessert but lower in sugar and high in fiber.What's not to love?


Since figs are high in natural sugars,the bread is sweet enough without a need for any other sweetener.Figs are good source of minerals, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. 5 medium figs can contain about 100mg of calcium.



Symbol of abundance and fertility,fresh figs are seasonal but dried figs can be devoured any time of the year.These are Turkish imported figs,I puree them in my recipe,but some figs can be hard to puree,should be soaked in water an hour or two before grinding them.


Recipe : Dried Fig Bread(No sugar added)
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups of whole Wheat flour
2 organic eggs
12-15 medium dried figs,hulled and chopped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder(alum free)
3/4 cup organic skimmed milk
1/4 cup of canola oil

Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place rack in center of oven.Grease a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan with oil or line with parchment paper; set aside.

Puree the the figs(reserve few for topping)in a high-power blender(Vitamix) until smooth,add a tablespoon of water if needed.
In a large mixing bowl sift the flour along with the other dry ingredients(salt and baking powder)
In a separate bowl crack eggs and whip for few seconds,add oil ,vanilla and fig puree.
Mix the wet and dry mixtures.Pour in the prepared loaf pan,sprinkle the chopped figs in rows,bake in the middle rack of the oven until the crust is lightly brown about 40-45 minutes.
Cool about 30 minutes;loosen the sides using a table knife,flip the pan on to the cutting board. Slice and serve with a hot cuppa black coffee. Can refrigerate for a week in an air tight container.



The fig bread is my entry for Weekend Herb Blogging #270,hosted this week by Lynne of Cafe Lynnylu

Tweet

Coffee Cocoa Buckwheat Kasha(Porridge) with Dried Figs

The Porridge of Eastern Europe,Kasha, is prepared with different kinds of whole grains,one of the most common is made with buckwheat.For an appealing and effortless morning breakfast porridge ,combine the roasted buckwheat granules with two of favorite breakfast flavors,cocoa and coffee ,and finally top with dried fruit and nuts.
Buckwheat Health and Nutrition

Buckwheat is a cholesterol free, almost fat-free food,that also helps in lowering blood glucose.Its actually a fruit seed not a cereal grain.Not related to wheat,Buckwheat is completely gluten free ,best for those with gluten intolerance(Celiac disease).
Roasted buckwheat granules are great for making porridge(kasha) ,as easy as the oatmeal.Buckwheat flour or roasted buckwheat granules can be used in all the dishes were ever rice or wheat is used.

Recipe : Coffee Cocoa Buckwheat Kasha(Porridge) with Dried Figs
Serves 2
Ingredients
3/4 cup roasted buckwheat granules(Kasha,I used Wolff's brand)
2 1/2 cup reduced fat Organic milk or skimmed Organic milk
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
2 teaspoon instant coffee
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon natural sweetener(like Agave nectar ,Jaggery or Honey) or 2 teaspoon stevia powder
3 dried figs,chopped or 1/4 cup of any dried fruit and nuts .

Method
Bring milk to a boil in a medium saucepan,stir in the kasha and salt.Cook,uncovered,stirring frequently while maintaining a gentle boil,8 to 10 minutes,until desired consistency.Stir in the cocoa ,coffee powder and the sweetener ,cook for another minute until well combined.Serve warm or cold with chopped dried fruit and nuts,along with a fresh fruit on side for a complete breakfast.

Cauliflower Soup,Beet Herbs Pasta and Figs parfait.

It was one of those days craving for a hearty Vegan meal,thankfully I had ample fresh fruits and vegetables to satisfy the hunger with a well balanced 3 course meal.
Cauliflower soup
A light and wholesome soup for the start of the meal.If you like crunch with the soup like I do ,serve this with some crackers or baked chips.

Serves 2-3
Ingredients
1/2 a medium cauliflower,chopped
1/2 a medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic,finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin(optional)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric(optional)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or chili powder
1 tablespoon fresh herbs,finely chopped(I used cilantro)
2 cups vegetable stock
1 teaspoon all purpose flour
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

accompaniment
low fat sour cream or tomato chili sauce

Method
In a medium skillet heat oil,add the onions and saute until translucent(about 3-4 minutes) on medium-high heat.Add the garlic and saute another minute or two.Add cauliflower and spices ,season with salt.Cover and allow to cook until cooked through(about 8-10 minutes),tossing occasionally.Stir in the stock ,herbs and bring to a boil .Add the flour and stir well,and simmer for 2-3 3minutes. Carefully transfer the mixture to a food processor or use immersion blender to puree.Return to the skillet,keep warm on low heat.Serve with sour cream or tomato chili sauce.And some baked chips or cracker for crunch.


Beet herbs pasta
Serves 2-3
With my passion for beets already revealed ,the pasta is yet another way to include the wonder veggie in your diet.

Ingredients
1/2 a pound Whole grain pasta,use any kind
1/2 a medium onion,finely chopped
2 small beets,roasted
1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive oil

For herb garlic sauce
1 cup fresh herbs(like parsley or cilantro),finely chopped
1 big clove garlic,minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice,freshly squeezed
1/4 teaspoon black pepper or chili powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive oil
Method
Cook the pasta as per the package instructions.
Make the herb garlic sauce by blending all the ingredients together.Keep aside.
Heat the oil on medium heat,add the onions,saute for 3-4 minutes until translucent,add the herbs garlic sauce,saute another minute or two.Mix the cooked pasta and stir well.Add the beets and serve warm.


Figs and Fruit Parfait.
As pretty and mysterious as these looks,figs are have healthy written in each of the seeds its packed with.

Parfait are the simplest desserts ,utterly delicious with the layers of fruity goodness.

Recipe

For compote
6 fresh ripe figs,chopped
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon orange blossom water or rose water
1 cups water

For Parfait
3-4 cup fresh fruits(like mangoes,peaches,figs or nectarine),diced
1/4 cup roasted nuts.

Method
Bring the compote ingredients to a slow boil, simmer,for about 15 minutes, or until fruit soft. Discard the cinnamon stick. Puree the mixture,return to the heat and cook until glossy and syrupy.Serve warm or chilled, on Ice creams or make a parfait.
In a wine or parfait glass ,layer the fruits ,nuts and the compote.Serve cold.




Health Nut Challenge :Well Balanced 3 Course Meal

Heart felt thanks to those who have already sent in there delicious 3 course meals.For those planning to participate ,please send in the entries before the deadline - September 20th.

Fig Linzer Cookies : Its an Austrian Pastry!

Linzers cookies one of the most famous cookies of Austria . Now ,how did i stumble upon the Austrian recipe ? I googled for sandwich cookies and i found these Austrian delights. Ha, thats the magic of Google.The original recipe is posted here, I made a low-fat version with few changes in the ingredients.

Linzer cookies are crisp toasty cookies sandwiched together with a delicious fruit filling(Usually berries or figs) are perfect for tea time snack or Kiddie lunch box snack .You could even gift a box of these healthy decadent cookies to your fortunate friends or colleagues at work.

Ingredients

For the cookies
3/4 cup all purpose flour, plus extra for rolling the dough
3/4 cup Whole Wheat flour
1/2 cup Blanched or Sliced Almonds,toasted and ground(Hazelnuts or Pecans can also be used)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoon Olive oil
2 tablespoon butter, softened
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 Organic egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
zest of 1 orange, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon salt
Granular sugar for topping

For Filling
3/4 cup of Fig Jam(recipe follows) or store-brought raspberry jam

Makes about 12 medium sandwiches cookies.

Method
Preheat oven to 325° F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or non stick baking mats.
Prepare the Dough
Sift together the flours, baking powder, cinnamon and salt;Mix in the ground almond and set aside.

Beat the Oil,butter,the sugar and egg in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Then stir in the vanilla and fully incorporate. Add the sifted flour mixture, and mix until just combined.

Form the dough into a ball, cut in half, flatten into a disk and wrap each half in plastic. Chill the dough until firm, at 30 minutes.
Roll the Cookies
Roll out one half of the dough into a 1/8 inch thick rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Using cookie cutters(Rectangle or Circle or Heart Shape), cut out as many cookies as possible from the dough. With a spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet and place about 1 inch apart. Using a smaller cutter of the same shape, cut out the centers from half the cookies (this will form the top of the sandwich); reserve the scraps and re-roll with the other chilled half of dough. Repeat this process with the other half of the dough.Top the cookies with the middles cut with some granule sugar .
Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until the edges are golden, about 12-15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Sandwich
Spread about a teaspoon of the fig jam(recipe below) on the cookie bottoms. Sandwich with the cookies with the middles cut out. Enjoy with a cup of hot tea,coffee or milk. Stores in air cookies jar for about 3-4 days, mine didn't last for more than 12 hours!

To make the Dried Fig Jam

Ingredients
8-10 figs, dried or Ripe,stem cut off and chopped
1 cup of water for dried and 1/2 cup if using fresh figs
2 tablespoon lemon juice,fresh squeezed
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom(Elaichi)

Method
Place figs in a medium pot and add the water,cook for medium heat for about 30 minutes until figs are all soft and tender. Add lemon juice , stir and simmer another 5-10 minutes until most of the water is dry. Process in blender or food processor in to fine paste. Store in Sterilized jar, use on toasts or for making sandwich cookies.


These cookies are low in sugar ,good for snacking and nutritious enough for a kiddie lunch box. I'm sending this recipe to Vandana's Lunch Box Special Event.