Name: Figs with Honey-Yogurt Cream
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 oranges; 2 lemons; 1 750-ml bottle red Zinfandel; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 2 cinnamon sticks; 10 whole cloves; 1/2 teaspoon aniseed; 12 ounces dried Calimyrna figs, stemmed, quartered (about 2 cups); 1 1/2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt (preferably organic); 1/3 cup orange blossom honey; 1 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream; 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

Image may contain Dish Food Meal Creme Cream Dessert Confectionery and Sweets

Figs with Honey-Yogurt CreamBrian Leatart

Greece

On many Greek islands, figs are usually poached in a locally produced dessert wine. The combination of red wine, citrus, and spices used here yields equally sweet results. The honey-yogurt cream is similar to an Italian panna cotta.

Test-Kitchen Tip:

Adding softened gelatin to hot cream makes it easier to dissolve. To be sure it is fully dissolved, turn over the spoon or spatula that you are stirring with and run a finger over the hot cream mixture. You should not feel or see any gelatin granules.

Recipe notes

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.