FRESH FIG COMPOTE

Figs come in three main varieties - red, white and black - and all three are suitable for cooking. They are sweet and succulent. The vanilla, honey and coffee syrup used in this recipe brings out the true flavour of the figs. Ingredients......400ml of fresh brewed coffee, 115gm of clear honey, 1 vanilla bean pod, 12 slightly under-ripe fresh figs. You will need a wide shallow pan/pot with a lid, large enough to hold the halved figs in a single layer. Place the coffee and honey in the pan. Split the vanilla bean lengthways and scrape the seeds into the pan. Add the vanilla pod and bring to simmer and continue to cook until reduced by half. Wash the figs, pierce the skins with a skewer several times. Slice the figs in half and add to the syrup. Reduce the heat and cover the pot/ pan and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Remove the figs from the syrup with a slotted spoon to a serving platter. Strain the remaining syrup over the figs. Allow to stand at room temperature for 1 one hour before serving with Greek yoghurt or vanilla ice cream.