Recipe: Fig Compote over Vanilla Ice Cream

At our Lamb and Fig Feast, I made a variety of dishes including a Fig Compote over Vanilla Ice Cream.  The best part about this dessert is the wonderful aroma that fills your home when you're cooking it.  Special thank you to the California Fig Association for contributing the delicious fruit.

Fig Compote Over Vanilla Ice Cream

1 1/4 cups red wine

1 1/4 cups water

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 vanilla bean, split

2 cinnamon sticks

2 cups dried figs, soaked in cold water until plumped

Vanilla ice cream

Combine wine, water, sugar, vanilla bean, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil and add the figs. Simmer gently for 1-2 hours minutes until very tender. Remove vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks.  Top vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of the warm compote.