When our late summer/fall cheater barbecue party guests deserve something fancier than sliced watermelon, we serve Swanky Figs. Like a good barbecue sauce, this dessert demonstrates the appeal of yin/yang balance—salty sharp blue cheese, creamy rich mascarpone, sweet honey, and tannic toasty walnuts. Go ahead and broil the figs early in the day. After dinner, discreetly step into the kitchen and reappear minutes later with a drop-dead platter of edible jewels.

　　

Ingredients

makes 6 servings

　　6 fresh figs, cut in half

　　About 1 tablespoon olive oil

　　1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

　　3 ounces Stilton cheese (or any blue cheese), crumbled

　　1/3 cup walnut halves, toasted

　　About 1/4 cup honey

　　

Step 1

HEAT the broiler.

　　

Step 2

PLACE the figs on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with the oil. Broil 4 inches from the heat source until lightly charred and softened, about 3 minutes per side.

　　

Step 3

SET the figs aside to cool at room temperature until serving time.

　　

Step 4

PLACE the figs on your nicest platter. Dollop each with a spoonful of mascarpone. Sprinkle each with some Stilton and walnuts. Drizzle with honey.

　　Cheater BBQ