Keep a jar or two of Fig Preserves on hand for both breakfast and making quick recipes, like this Fig Vinaigrette . In a large Dutch oven, stir together figs, sugar, 2 cups water, and lemon slices. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 to 50 minutes or until a thick syrup forms.
Directions. Gently stir to wash the figs, then drain off the water and rinse the figs thoroughly with fresh cool water. Place the figs into a large pot. Add 1 cup water, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, lemon, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Very gently stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar, keeping the figs intact as much as possible.
Pour 2 cups of sugar over the figs. Cover, and let sit overnight. Taste the fig-sugar mixture, adding more sugar, if desired. Place the pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to low. Add the lemon slices.
Instructions In a wide, heavy-bottomed, nonreactive pot, layer the figs with the lemon slices, sugar, sliced ginger, and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. The next day, add the cup of water and cover the pot with a lid . Bring the fig mixture to a simmer over medium heat.