Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Fig Jam Straws



I truly believe that puff pastry is one of those quintessential foods. I have yet to conquer making it myself; definitely a bucket list item. However for now the store bought form is ideal. Simply let it defrost, a quick once over with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface and you are ready to let the magic begin.



Sunday morning we watched our traditional weekend edition of Good Morning America with our coffee in hand. What goes better with a cup of hot, rich flavored coffee than a pastry? I had pinned a post to my “Delish Desserts” board for these jam straws. It has been on my mind for sometime to make. Today was the day. By the way, if you have not gotten involved with pinterest, check it out.  You can follow me here.



My adoration with fig jam continues. About a month ago, I made 48 jars of the balsamic fig jam to have for holiday gift giving and our own enjoyment. I actually need to do another batch of 48 or more, since the fig season is short in duration. These jam straws were perfect with the fig jam and a hint of confectioners sugar sprinkled on top. It was hard to eat just one.



Next I am going to do a savory version with pesto and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. Perfect with a nice chilled glass of Vermentino or Sauvignon Blanc. Let me know what flavor you would enjoy??



Fig Jam Straws

1 package puff pastry (2 sheets)
1/3 C. Balsamic Fig Jam
Flour for dusting
Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment and set aside.

Allow puff pastry to thaw as directed on the package. Dust work surface with flour and lightly dust rolling pin with flour. Roll out puff pastry until about 2" larger on each side. Cut crosswise into two rectangles.

With a pastry brush, coat one piece of puff pastry with half the jam. Cover jam-coated piece with the remaining plain piece of puff pastry and gently roll together with rolling pin - not too hard, or your jam will squish out.

Slice into long or short strips and twist, then place on parchment lined pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before removing from the pan. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.

Repeat process with second sheet of puff pastry.

Fig and Balsamic Jam

1 Lb. Figs, Black Mission, stems removed and coarsely chopped
¾ C. Sugar
¼ C. Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh Lemon Juice

Combine the figs, sugar, and balsamic vinegar in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium to high heat. Then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook. Break up the large pieces and stir periodically until the jam thickens. Remove from the heat and squeeze about a tablespoon of lemon juice and stir. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired. If too chunky, you can use an emulsion blender to quickly pulse a bit smoother. You can either store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month or process them through your favorite canning method.



15 comments:

  1. Wow, the flavor combination is beautiful! I love the idea of balsamic and figs together:-) Making puffy pastry is on my bucket list too:-) Take care, Terra

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  2. those look very good! and cute to boot! thanks for posting!! i am going to make these soon!

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  3. I adore fig jam but have never added balsamic, I'll have to give your recipe a try next fig season.

    Lisa~~
    Cook Lisa Cook

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  4. I'm actually afraid of figs, but when I saw your idea for the pesto straws... oh my gosh. I need to try those! Or even a different jam, maybe. Definitely love the idea of twisting puff pastry into straws. :)

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  5. I definitely couldn't have kept it to just one. These are quite appealing.

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  6. Lisa, these are such a great idea. I have figs coming out of my ears at the moment, all of them on my tree are ripe at once, I already made on batch, I will have to make another, and these straws. I've make homemade and it is so much work, I actually prefer buying it. Hope you have a great week.
    -Gina-

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  7. Now that's a pastry I could make... GREG

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  8. I have actually made puff pastry before. Believe it or not, it's actually quite easy! http://goo.gl/75MSH

    I love that you are making this jam for gifts! I have actually toiled with the idea but didn't know what would be good for the holiday's since it's not like peach screams Christmas.

    Your fig straws look absolutely perfect and I"m sure they were delicious!

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  9. Lisa, you know how much I love your fig jam--I would enjoy anything and everything you make with it. These straws are such winners in many ways: perfect for entertaining, easy and I'm sure to-die-for good!

    Missed reading your posts!

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  10. three cheers for puff pastry! i love that stuff, and it's the perfect vehicle for your lovely jam. :)

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  11. I'm so impressed with your jam making skills Lisa and now you've created such a lovely pastry with your fig jam;-). We had so much fun at the CIA, looking forward to catching up with you, have a great weekend!

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  12. These look addicting to me in a great way!

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  13. OMG...i just love this...cup of coffee please!

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  14. Thanks so much to Liren @kitchenconfidante for bringing me to your delightful blog! I love figs and just adore fig jam. Thanks for a fabulous recipe. I'm bookmarking this and will try it when the figs are in season. And will definitely be back for more of your delish recipes :-) Cheers!

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