FIG FUDGE - CAN BE VEGAN
Ingredients: (makes about 20 squares, each approx. 1?x 1? x 1/2?)
2 cups packed dried figs (about 40)
2 cups milk, warmed (vegans can substitute almond milk, or even water)
1/2 cup almonds, powdered
1 cup unsalted nuts -almonds,cashews,walnuts, pistachios - lightly toasted + chopped (keep some for garnish)
2 tablespoons ghee/clarified butter + 1 tablespoon ghee
8 small green cardamoms, shelled and the seeds ground to fine powder
2 tablespoons sugar (only if you need)
Preparation:
Heat milk. Soak the figs in the warm milk for at least half an hour, covered. Make a paste with the milk and the figs.
In a large thick bottomed pan (or nonstick pan) add 2 tablespoons ghee and the fig paste, cardamom powder and the almond powder and cook at low to medium heat until it thickens and darkens, about 35-45 minutes. Stir often scraping the bottom and the sides of the pan to prevent sticking.
At the end of 35 – 40 minutes the mixture will be reduced, and leave the sides and the bottom of the pan, coming together in a lump/ball when moved around with spoon. Now, switch off the heat. Add toasted nuts (leaving a few aside for garnish) and a tablespoon of ghee to the pan and stir well together to combine the nuts and the fig paste. Let it rest for about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile lightly grease a plate with ghee. Spread out the mixture onto the greased dish, about 1/2 inch thick. Flatten and even out the surface and garnish with toasted nuts. Allow to cool for half an hour. Serve or store.