Glazed Figs with Mascarpone Cream

Ingredients

• 0.3 cup balsamic vinegar 
• 1 pint figs fresh halved
• 0.5 cup heavy cream 
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar confectioners'
• 2 cups mascarpone cheese 
• 0.5 cup orange juice 
• 0.5 teaspoon orange zest 
• 0.3 cup sugar 
• 0.5 cup walnuts toasted coarsely chopped

Equipment

• baking sheet
• pot
• hand mixer
• broiler

Directions

1. Special equipment: An electric mixer
2. For the cream: In an electric mixer whip the mascarpone until smooth. Continue whipping and slowly add the cream in a steady stream.
3. Add the sugar and whip for 3 minutes.
4. For the figs: In a small pot combine the orange juice, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and zest.
5. Boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Preheat the broiler.
7. Toss the figs with the glaze and spread, cut side up, in a single layer on a baking sheet.
8. Cook under the broiler for 6 to 8 minutes, until lightly caramelized.
9. Serve the warm figs with the mascarpone cream and toasted walnuts.