Seduced By Greek Yogurt, Fresh Fig, and Black Currant Parfaits

Oscar Wilde said, "I can resist everything but temptation." I think he had fresh figs in mind when he said that.

Consider this: Yesterday morning at the Hillcrest farmers' market, I spotted close to a dozen people eating fresh figs as they shopped. That's because everything about fresh figs is irresistible -- their pleasingly plump stature, their velvet skin splitting with ripeness, their ambrosial pink flesh.


Fresh Calmyrna figs grown in San Diego County. 

Despite fresh figs' high price tag, usually $4-6 per pound, San Diego shoppers couldn't get enough of them, including me. I also can't get enough of these simple, no-bake Greek Yogurt, Fresh Fig, and Black Currant Parfaits. This dessert proves that opposites attract -- sweet figs and tart black currants, syrupy honey and spicy cinnamon, and earthy rosemary and tangy lemon zest are enfolded in luscious, creamy Greek yogurt.

I just know Oscar Wilde wouldn't have been able to resist them either.


Black Mission figs grown in LA County.

Greek Yogurt, Fresh Fig, and Black Currant Parfaits
Makes 2 servings
Printable recipe.

2 tablespoons honey
A couple of pinches of cinnamon

A couple of pinches of salt

A couple of pinches of lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

2 cups non-fat Greek yogurt
6 fresh figs, quartered
1/2 cup fresh black currants*
1 tablespoon pistachios

1. Heat honey, cinnamon, salt, lemon zest, and rosemary either in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm and smooth. Remove from heat.

2. Use two cocktail or other pretty glasses to assemble parfaits. Start with yogurt at the base. Then top with fig pieces, currants, pistachios, and honey sauce. Repeat. Eat. Make again tomorrow.

*Note: Black currants are small, round berries with a glossy black skin and tart flesh. They're available at farmers' markets and organic markets. If you can't find them, blackberries make a good substitute. Dried black currants are more widely available, but their flavor and texture is sweeter like a raisin.


Fresh black currants grown in LA County.

Here are more fresh fig recipes you might enjoy:
Vanilla Bean Fig Cupcakes recipe from Dessert First 

Fresh Fig Bread Pudding recipe from Circle B Kitchen
Fresh Fig and Banana Milkshake recipe from Pinch My Salt

Dorie Greenspan's Fig Cake for Fall recipe from Food Blogga
Dessert Risotto with Wine-Poached Figs recipe from Food Blogga
Fresh Fig, Ricotta, and Honey Breakfast Crostini recipe from Food Blogga

Fresh Fig, Walnut, and Rosemary Upside-Down Cake recipe from Food Blogga
Figs Poached in Port and Thyme over Creamy Yogurt Cheese recipe from Christine Cooks