Roasted Figs Glazed with Honey & Balsamic

This idea came from something I saw on Five Ingredient Fix I think.  This is such a tasty quick snack or perfect topper for ice cream (yogurt or ricotta cheese too!)  This was the first time I have ever eaten a fig- besides in Fig Newtons, which I don't think really counts.  They are so sweet and delicious!  You eat the whole thing, skin and all.  Seriously, go out and try them- the little seeds inside are like sugary little crystals.  I used black figs, but I saw there were green figs too (which I think the purple/black ones are just more mature in age).  Here's some fun facts about how awesome figs are from wikipedia:

Figs are one of the highest plant sources of calcium and fiber. According to USDA data for the Mission variety, dried figs are richest in fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin K, relative to human needs. They have smaller amounts of many other nutrients. Figs have a laxative effect and contain many antioxidants.

The combo of these ingredients might sound weird and I was skeptical at first, but after you try it you realize that all the flavors work together beautifully.  Use this one to impress people with practically no effort- all you do is cut, drizzle and pop in the oven. Done.


Ingredients
(I'm not using any specific measurements because you really just eyeball everything-it's that easy)

• Figs
• Honey
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Salt

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
• Cut the figs in half and lay in an oven safe dish flesh side up

• Drizzle figs with honey and balsamic vinegar. Don't worry about spilling over into the dish- the syrup it makes is yummy too.
• Sprinkle lightly with salt
• Roast in the oven about 10-15 minutes

I have seen variations of this type of recipe, and they use lemon juice, olive oil, and butter too.  To make the syrup in the dish easy to use (because mine was very little and you need to use it as soon as it comes out of the oven otherwise it will dry up and be real sticky) melt some butter and pour into the baking dish and scrape up all the syrup.  If you are using a stove top/oven safe dish just put the dish over the heat and melt some butter right into the pan.  Arrange your figs and drizzle extra sauce all over the top. Enjoy!