warm figs with prosciutto

Start with a basket of figs and turn them into something unexpected: warm, salty flavor bombs. You can customize this recipe to feed as many people as you want. You just need a few figs per person, the same number of prosciutto slices, and twice as many mint leaves. You can use any seasonal fig variety, but the best choice for size and flavor is Black Mission figs.

ingredients

12 ripe figs
24 fresh mint leaves
12 slices prosciutto
olive oil
freshly ground pepper

directions

Trim off the fig stems. Cut each fig in half and lay a fresh mint leaf on top. Cut the prosciutto slices in half lengthwise to create strips, then wrap each strip around the fig and mint (the ham will stick to itself to secure the strip). Brush top of each fig with a little olive oil (or just dab it on with your finger), then sprinkle lightly with pepper. Place figs on a baking sheet or broiler pan and place under a preheated broiler until the prosciutto sizzles, about 2 minutes. Place figs on a platter, garnish with a mint sprig, and pass around.