WHEN ARE FRESH FIGS IN SEASON RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray two 8-inch round cake pans with vegetable oil spray.
• In a medium bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream butter with the sugar until fluffy. Add egg and beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with the evaporated milk. Fold in vanilla and almond extracts and 1 cup chopped figs.
• Divide into two prepared 8-inch round cake pans. Bake in preheated oven until cake springs back when lightly touched with a fingertip and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool cake layers on wire rack.
• To make the filling: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups chopped figs, brown sugar, water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 20 minutes. Spread thinly between cooled cake layers and on top.

Steps:

• Cook bacon pieces in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low, stirring often, until brown and crisp, 8–10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a small bowl.
• Pour off all but 2 Tbsp. fat from skillet; save for another use. Add maple syrup to skillet, swirling to combine, and heat over medium-high. Arrange figs in skillet in a single layer, cut side down. Cook, swirling liquid occasionally, until figs are slightly softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes.
• Arrange figs cut side up on a platter and press pieces of bacon onto the surface of each fig.
• Set the skillet over medium heat, add vinegar, and stir into juices. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until syrupy, about 1 minute. Drizzle syrup over figs, then sprinkle with red pepper.