This jam is tasty on toast alone, or with some Manchego cheese.

　　Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

Ingredients

　　1 1/4 cups sugar

　　3/4 cup water

　　2 lb firm-ripe fresh figs, trimmed and quartered

　　2 (3- by 1-inch) strips fresh lemon zest

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted

　　Simmer sugar and water in a large heavy saucepan, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Gently stir in figs, zest, and lemon juice and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thick and syrupy, 1 3/4 to 2 hours. Gently stir in sesame seeds.

　　Cooks' notes:

　　Jam keeps, covered and chilled, 1 month. Toast seeds in a dry heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring until fragrant and a shade or two darker. Or, toast in a shallow baking pan in a 350°F oven, 5 to 10 minutes.