Raw Orange and Fig Spread

I love dried fruit. I love dried figs. Actually I like all figs. And all fruit :) . I got a big ol' bag of the most delicious organic dried figs from Costco the other day and have been playing around with them in the kitchen quite a bit. These things are so versatile — they're yummy on their own, perfect for raw recipes, perfect in baking. Not sure if there's anything they're not good in, really. And of course they're perfect for making a raw and fruit-sweetened spread in just minutes.

This orange and fig spread makes a very tasty instant sweet jam or a savory spread when combined with "cheese" and the like. It's really good plain, but with the added orange extract it reminds me of orange marmalade a bit. Figs pair amazingly well with citrus, but the orange flavor is of course optional. I do recommend you try it with it if you can -- so delicious!

It's also really nice with orange blossom water, but I usually go with an orange extract instead. And if you want it extra marmalad-like, use a bit of orange rind instead {the rind of blood oranges is my favorite for recipes like this -- it's a bit less bitter but very flavorful}.

Just a quick note on the figs -- go for the soft and squishy dried fruit kind if possible. They are the freshest and tastiest usually. But any kind of dried fig will work, really.

Regardless of the type you use, the figs should soak for a bit to soften up {the more soaked, the smoothest they'll blend}. You can just cover them with water in a bowl and leave them to soak for a few hours. Or if you're not intending for the recipe to be raw, just pour some boiling water over them and let them soak for about 10 minutes.

I love whipping this up when I'm spontaneously in the mood for a delicious figgy spread, something sweet to snack on that won't overload me with sugar, in desert recipes that call for jams or fruity toppings, or for pairing this with something savoury, like a cashew cheese spread, etc.

Last but not least, if you want this spread to turn creamy, dreamy, and delicious, add in 1-3 tablespoon hulled tahini and a drizzle or molasses. So delicious!

Raw Orange and Fig Spread

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★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1½ cups
• Category: Jam
• Method: Raw
• Cuisine: Dessert

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Description

A raw instant jam that pairs sweet figs with tangy citrus in a spread reminiscent of orange marmalade.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups dried figs, pre-soaked and strained
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange extract {or zest of 1 orange}

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Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until mixture is smooth {though the fig seeds will remain intact -- press through a sieve to get rid of the seeds if you prefer}. Transfer to a glass jar and keep in the fridge.