1 cup dry, red wine, such as Chianti
1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup honey, clarified
2 cinnamon sticks
8 fresh figs*
4 1oz pieces of dark chocolate (opt.)

Pour wine into a heavy saucepan. Dissolve flour in wine, off the heat, until fully dissolved. Transfer saucepan to stove top and cook over a medium flame.

Add clarified honey (honey that has been warmed to a syrup-like consistency) and cinnamon sticks, and cook, until reduced by about half, approximately 8 minutes.

Reduce flame to low, and add figs so that they are standing up straight.

Cover and let cook, stirring occasionally, until figs are fully cooked, approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and take out cinnamon sticks.

Place figs, 2 a piece, into decorative serving bowls. Drizzle Red Wine & Honey sauce over top. Serve with a piece of dark chocolate, if desired.

Submitted by: Daniel Lee Mishkin