Dried Fig Squares with a Walnut Crust
Recipe type: Dessert or Snack
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 16 squares
 
This recipe is adapted from one that Nutmeg found in the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter in 2009. The crust is much like a shortbread and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
  • ½ Cup Walnuts, shelled
  • 1 Cup Flour
  • ⅓ Cup White Sugar
  • 1½ Teaspoons Grated Orange Zest
  • ⅛ Teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ Cup Walnut Oil, or use vegetable oil
  • 1 Cup Dried Figs, coarsely chopped
  • ⅔ Cup Port Wine
  • ¼ Cup Orange Juice
  • 2 Tablespoons Honey
  • ½ Teaspoon Cardamom, ground
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F
  2. On a baking sheet, toast the walnuts for 7 minutes, or until crisp and fragrant
  3. Leave the oven on
  4. Transfer the walnuts to a food processor
  5. Add the flour, sugar, orange zest, and salt, and process until finely ground
  6. Add the walnut oil and process until evenly moistened
  7. Press the mixture into an 8-inch square metal baking pan
  8. With the tines of a fork, prick the dough all over
  9. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is crisp
  10. Cool the crust on a wire rack
  11. Leave the oven on
  12. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the figs, port, orange juice, honey, and cardamom
  13. Bring to a simmer
  14. Cover and cook until the figs are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  15. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and process to a smooth paste
  16. Spread the fig paste over the cooled crust and put back in the oven and bake for 20 minutes to set the topping
  17. Cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares
Recipe by Ginger and Nutmeg at https://www.gingerandnutmeg.com/2012/09/common-figs