In The Kitchen with Tamara - Autumn 2024

It’s fig season.

Embark on a culinary journey where the allure of velvety figs takes centre stage. Figs, nature’s decadent jewels, are known for their rich sweetness and luxurious texture. Yet, finding the perfect fig at your local supermarket can be a gamble – often expensive and lacking the true essence of this succulent fruit.

Mudgee, however, seems to have an abundance of fig trees. So for those fortunate enough to gather a bucket or two of these treasures, we present a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the exquisite marriage of figs and almonds – our delectable fig and almond tart. This recipe not only captures the essence of the Mudgee fig but transforms it into a symphony of flavors - a true homage to the bountiful gifts of this enchanting town.

FIG AND HONEY TART

Ingredients

130g unsalted butter softened

¾ cup caster sugar

1 tbsp finely grated lemon rind

1 tbsp finely grated orange rind

1 vanilla bean, split &; seeds scraped

3 eggs

1 ½ cups almond meal (180g)

½ cup plain flour (75g)

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 cup flaked almonds

6 figs

¼ cup honey

Preheat oven to 160 degrees C. Lightly grease a 28cm fluted loose bottom tart tin. Place the butter, sugar, lemon and orange zest and vanilla seeds in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat for 6-8 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Add eggs, one at a time beating well after each addition. Add the almond meal, flour and baking powder and mix to combine. Fold in flaked almonds.

Spoon into the tart tin and spread until smooth.

Place figs into the almond filling, pressing down slightly. Place tart tin on a baking tray and cook for 45 minutes, or until golden. Remove from oven and brush with honey while still hot.

Tamara Howorth founded The Little Cooking School in 2018, and has established one of Mudgee’s must-do culinary experiences.

Stop by for cooking classes, private dining, local produce and delicious in-house ready-made meals.

Find us

Located at 7/69 Market St,
Town Hall Arcade (just off the Byron Place car park)

Learn more
littlecookingschoolmudgee.com.au

Contact us
[email protected] or 0400 417711

Follow us
@littlecookingschoolmudgee