Poached Figs in Wine

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 stick cinnamon (3-inch)
• 1 pound figs dried halved
• 0.5 cup cooking wine dry red
• 1 teaspoon orange rind grated
• 2 cups port sweet
• 0.5 cup slivered almonds toasted
• 0.5 cup whipping cream 
• 1  star anise whole

Equipment

• bowl
• sauce pan
• blender

Directions

1. Combine first 8 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer over low heat 40 minutes. Cover and chill. Discard cloves, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
2. Place whipping cream in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Top fig mixture with whipped cream and toasted almonds.