FIG AND ORANGE ROLLS WITH CHRISTMAS SPICES
These are a world away from the shop-bought version. A heady mix of spices and orange complement the figs beautifully.
Makes: Around 12 fig rolls
Prep time: 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes resting and chilling Cooking time: 15 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling
INGREDIENTS FOR THE FILLING
250g figs
1 tbsp light brown sugar 50g crystallised ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground ginger Pinch of cloves
1 tsp ground allspice Zest of an orange
FOR THE DOUGH
50g unsalted butter, softened 40g light muscovado sugar 1 egg, beaten
½ tsp vanilla extract
175g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
Pinch of fine salt
½ tsp baking powder
METHOD
1. First make the filling. Put the figs into a pan in a snuggly fitting single layer. Add the sugar and enough water to barely cover the fruit. Bring to the boil, then put a lid on, reduce the heat and simmer for around 10 minutes, stirring a few times, until the figs are soft and the liquid all but evaporated. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
2. Put the cooled figs and remaining filling ingredients in a blender or food processor and process to a smooth paste. Chilli in the fridge while you make the dough.
3. Beat the butter and sugar until creamy, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Add the flour, salt and baking powder and briefly mix to form a dough. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan.
5. Roll the dough out to a 35cm x 20cm rectangle and cut along the horizontal to form two rectangles. Divide the fig paste between the two, spreading it out on the dough evenly. Roll the dough up from the long side, as you would a sausage roll, making sure the paste is completely enclosed in dough. Run a wet fingertip along the edge of the dough to help seal the dough shut. Cut each roll into around six biscuits, approximately 4cm wide, then stamp the top with a fork.
6. Bake for 13–15 minutes until crisp and lightly golden at the edges. Remove the tray from the oven and cool the rolls on a wire rack before serving.