Maple balsamic sage roasted figs.

Maple balsamic roasted figs.  

I’m so excited to be back to blogging!  The last two weeks have been a crazy blur to say the least.  As many of you know, I had my third and final finger surgery.  3 pins and a bone fusion.  I keep the pins several months (they make me bionic – ha ha) and I now have a removable cast that I wear 23 hours a day.  I’ve returned back to my fitness routine, albeit in a milder form to get myself back in gear.  Yesterday was my first sojourn back onto my bike and admittedly, I’m addicted to it.  It felt so freeing to be back out, wind in my hair and just free.  We rode 28.2 miles.  Smiles for miles – literally.

This weekend Bill and I also returned to the farmer’s market for our grocery shopping.  I excitedly discovered one of my favorites – figs and joyfully bought a basket of them.  I think you either love or hate them.  I fall into the love category for sure.  This recipe is a wonderfully sweet treat that is very versatile.  You can use these as a side dish, as a dessert or to top your favorite vanilla ice cream.  I love serving these at parties as well and they’re always a favorite.  You can’t go wrong with this recipe – totally full-proof!  I pinky promise.

Ingredients:

One basket of figs (depends on how many people you are serving) – I count typically 4 whole figs per person – halve them
Balsamic vinegar – use the best quality you have
Maple syrup – again, use the best quality you have on hand
Pinch salt
10 fresh sage leaves, finely diced

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Line your baking dish or sheet with parchment paper that has been sprayed with olive oil.  Take your freshly washed, halved figs and place them on your baking sheet next to one another – they may tough.  Drizzle with maple syrup and the sage leaves.  Bake for 10 minutes.  Remove and drizzle with the balsamic and place back in the oven.  Bake for an additional 10 minutes.  Remove and let cool.  I sprinkle with a pinch of salt to counterbalance the sweetness.  Serve and enjoy.

In the spirit of sharing my personal life here are a few pics from the past two weeks.  The good, the bad and the very ugly (or fascinating depending on how you look at it).  Thank you for the prayers, emails, texts, flowers and well wishes.  I truly was enlightened by the generosity and kindness of strangers and friends alike.

Post surgery – my three pins (one of which broke during surgery) and the top bone fusion.  Pins will be removed in about 3-4 months.

On our ride yesterday.  Helmet:  Nutcase.  Green shirt:  Albion Fit.  Bike shorts:  Giant.  Bike and shoes:  Specialized.  Watch:  Garmin 620.

Planking at the park.  Where do you do your planks?  Top and capri pants by Albion Fit.  Sneakers:  Nike FlyKnit.  

And today I got to run.  Swoon~ Five miles after a 28 mile ride yesterday was a good start.

Watch:  Garmin 620.  Jawbone UP24 band.  Mizuno sneakers.  Lululemon shorts.  Athleta tank. 

See you soon!

~oxo

 

— Knead to Cook