Eat a Fig

Many people out there have not yet tasted the perfection that is a fresh fig: just past ripe, exploding with gooey juices, jewel-tone in color. It is nature's candy. If you ask me, there is only one way to eat a fig, and that is fresh off the tree.

Ok, if you ask me again later, I'd say there are lots of ways to enjoy figs, particularly the dried ones we get year-round. But in late summer, figs are in season, and like everything else they flood the markets, overwhelm you, and then disappear. Be sure to pick up some figs in the next week or two and let them sit on your counter until they're ripe--and then wait one more day. Chances are good you'll pack the whole lot of them away before you even have time to think.

If you do have time to think, think about quartering them and tucking a little pocket of goat cheese down inside. Then stir together some black pepper and honey and think about pouring that over top. Think about enjoying this as an appetizer, snack, or other such indulgence.

Figs with Goat Cheese and Black Pepper Honey

serves ? as an appetizer or snack; takes 5 mintues

fresh figs (however many you feel like consuming; any variety will do)

goat cheese, at or near room temperature preferably

1 Tbsp honey

1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

• Remove stems from the figs and cut crosswise (as in the picture here), but DON'T go all the way through; leave them connected at the bottom. Take a scant teaspoon of goat cheese and gently press it into the opening. Stir together honey and pepper and drizzle over top.