Dear friends and followers, please forgive my radio silence. I have just recovered from successful back surgery after a most uncomfortable winter and spring, and now I am ready to resume my blog! I hope you are all still with me.
One of the highlights this winter, was a visit to Russ & Daughters Cafe, a “sit down” addition to the historical shop which opened in 1914 on Orchard Street in NYC. Here we shared a family meal of the finest smoked salmon, latkes, bilinis with caviar, chopped herring and I had my first ever fig shrub. It was amazing! {Be sure to try their Cabernet Franc Mulled Wine sitting next to the shrub in the photo. Perfect solution for leftover wine.}.
Frank’s version of Fig Shrub*
- 1 8-ounce package of Golden California Figs cut in half
- 1 cup turbinado sugar
- ½ cup apple-cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
Use a muddler or wooden spoon to crush the figs. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes; remove from the heat, cover, and let steep 24 hours at room temperature. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheese cloth and bottle for use. Store in refrigerator, and use within two months.
*Feel free to add a splash of gin or vodka for a wonderful aperitif.
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