Makes: 4 servings
Time: 25 minutes
A last-minute dessert, and an easy way to take advantage of the fleeting fig season. Try to find Mission figs and mascarpone if you can (whipped cream works nicely in a pinch). For extra sweetness, dissolve a tablespoon of sugar into the butter for drizzling.
Heat the oven to 400°F. Spread the fig halves on a baking sheet and drizzle with the melted butter. Bake the figs until they become very tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve with a dollop of mascarpone or Whipped Cream.
HONEY-ROASTED FIGS For a bit more sweetness and caramelization: Decrease the butter to 2 tablespoons and melt with 2 tablespoons honey until dissolved. Drizzle over the figs before baking.
ROASTED PINEAPPLE Increase the heat to 425°F. Arrange about eight ½-inch-thick pineapple slices on a baking sheet. If you like, melt a tablespoon or 2 granulated sugar with the butter. Bake until they are soft and begin to turn color.