Figs Poached in Wine & Ginger Ice Cream

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Thanks to Mary Barkley in Brazil for this one:

When my cousin was quite young, she took a peanut to her mother one day.
After my aunt had eaten it, my cousin asked, "Was that good, Mommy?" My
aunt replied, "Yes, why?" To which my cousin answered, "Skippy [the dog]
spit it out three times."

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            TODAY'S RECIPES
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If you love figs the way I do, then you'll enjoy this dish even if
made with dried figs. Use fresh figs and you'll probably want
to use the word "sublime" to describe it.

Figs Poached in Wine

16-24 fresh or dried figs
2-3 cup (500-750 ml) dry red wine Burgundy wine
1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar, or to taste
Grated zest of 1 orange

Place the figs in a saucepan big enough to hold them in a single
layer and add the wine and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook
covered for 5 minutes if using fresh figs, or 20 minutes if using
dried. Transfer the figs to a bowl. Add the orange zest to the
wine mixture and continue cooking uncovered until the liquid is
reduced to about 1/4 its original volume. Pour the sauce over
the figs and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serves 4 to 6.

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This exotic ice cream gets a double whammy of flavor from the
fresh and candied ginger.

Ginger Ice Cream

2 cups (500 ml) milk, half-and-half, or combination of the two
1/4 cup (60 ml) peeled and chopped fresh ginger
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar
1/2 cup (125 ml) finely chopped candied (crystallized) ginger

Bring the milk and fresh ginger to a boil in a saucepan over moderate
heat. Remove from the heat as soon as it boils and let steep for 10 to
20 minutes. Meanwhile, beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and
lighter in color. Strain the milk, discarding the ginger, and beat about
1/2 cup of the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture. Stir the yolk
mixture into the milk and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until
the mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the
candied ginger and cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Freeze
in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer's directions.
Makes about 1 pint (500 ml).
Received on Tue May 29 08:36:15 2007