Chocolate Mint Figs

When fresh figs are in season, this is how you let them shine.

Halve them, press a little mixture of chocolate chips, fresh chopped mint, and toasted almonds into each one, and bake until the chocolate goes soft and the figs turn jammy and caramelized around the edges.

The combination sounds unexpected, but it works beautifully. The honey-sweet fig, the bitter snap of dark chocolate, the cool brightness of fresh mint, and the crunch of almonds all hit different notes in one tiny bite.

Makes 48 halves, which sounds like a lot until you watch them vanish from the platter in minutes.

Chef Tips

• Use ripe but firm figs. Overripe figs will collapse in the oven and turn mushy.
• Fresh mint is non-negotiable here. Dried mint has a completely different flavor and won’t give you that bright, herbal pop.
• Toast the almonds before chopping. Toasting brings out their oils and deepens the nutty flavor against the sweet fig.
• These are stunning on a cheese board alongside soft goat cheese, honey, and crusty bread. They also work as a plated dessert drizzled with a touch of honey.