Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Fig Relish

Ingredients

1 Tbsp              butter

2 Tbsp              minced shallots

1 1/2 cups      whole fig preserves, small dice

2 Tbsp              brown sugar

2 Tbsp             sherry vinegar

2 Tbsp              minced celery

2 Tbsp              small diced red peppers

1/2 tsp fresh thyme leave, chopped

 

Port Wine Glaze

1 cup chicken stock

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1 cup port wine

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Melt the butter over low heat in a small sauce pot. Cook the shallots for 3 minutes. Add in the diced figs and brown sugar, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and burning. Add in the sherry vinegar, celery and red bell peppers and lower the heat. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often. Add the thyme, salt and black pepper and remove from heat. The flavor of the relish is best if made a day or two in advance. When ready to use, warm it slowly in a small sauté pan over a low heat.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Port Wine Glaze

Place all ingredients in a small sauce pot. Simmer and reduce until mixture forms a thick syrup.

Yield: One quarter cup

Recent Recipes

Pie Dough

This crust has been the base for countless savory pies over the years. The key is keeping the butter ice-cold and giving the dough enough time to rest in the refrigerator. For a little twist, add 1 tablespoon of freshly cracked black pepper or 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives to the flour mixture.

Read more

Denver Omelet Quiche

I love quiche. To me, it’s great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In the morning, it’s perfect with fresh fruit. At lunch or dinner, it pairs well with a light salad. Never use the pre-shredded cheese in plastic bags from the dairy case. It's dusted with cellulose, which messes with the texture and flavor. Always grate cheese from a block. It’s an extra step but it will save money and taste so much better.

Read more

Italian Cheesecake

If you are a fan of American-style cream cheese cheesecake, this might not be your dessert. Though if you like something lighter and less sweet, this is the dessert for you.

Read more