Ingredients
-
Four 1/2-pint canning jars with lids and rings
-
1 1/4 cups sugar
-
2 cups water
-
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
-
1 1/4 pounds small firm-but-ripe Black Mission figs (about 24)
Directions
-
Fill a large pot with water, cover and bring to a boil. Add the canning jars, lids and rings along with a set of tongs and a ladle and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes to sterilize. Cover the pot and turn off the heat.
-
Set a metal rack in another large pot. Fill the pot with water, cover and bring to a boil.
-
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water and balsamic vinegar and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the figs and simmer over low heat, stirring a few times, until they are barely tender, about 10 minutes.
-
Using the sterilized tongs, remove the jars from the hot water and transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet. Pack the figs into the hot jars and ladle the hot balsamic vinegar over them, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top. Using the tongs, place the lids on the jars followed by the rings. Screw on the lids securely but not too tightly.
-
Using canning tongs, lower the jars onto the rack in the pot of boiling water, making sure the tops of the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Boil the jarred figs over high heat for 15 minutes. Using the canning tongs, transfer the jars to a rack to cool until the lids seal (they will look concave); refrigerate any jars that do not seal. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Serve With
Grilled pork chops, roast leg of lamb or roast chicken.