Has anyone tried replacing raisins with dried figs?  Like in cookies, oatmeal and what not?  I use quite a bit of raisins here with all my little ones and my husband.  I'd like to dry our figs out and use them to replace raisins.  Just looking for some results in some taste testing!

Yes, and it's worked well every time. I also like this recipe from the NY Times for a more savory dish:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/dining/193srex.html?_r=0

Mat,

   Nice recipe. Thanks for sharing.

I'm pretty sure they are equal, but not in flavor.  Drying increases sweetness, and taste, so they might have a different flavor, but the result should be the same!

Sitting here with my coffee, I was wondering if I added fresh or dried figs (when I get too many to eat) to my coffee grinds for fig flavored coffee....  I'll experiment with that one of these days, and post the results for sure!

Suzi

I have long given up on raisins. I usually substitute dates, but figs are good too. While dates are sweeter, I don't make any alterations to the rest of the recipe.

Any of your dried fruits can be substituted . Just cutting into small enough sizes and also flavor differences to be considered- they will all be sweet, with different tastes inherent to the different fruits . It's what you like in taste. If you like the taste then it will work in same quantity and size substitutions.

Suzi , I like your idea of fig flavored coffee. My thoughts on that would be to soak chopped dried figs in water overnight , then use that flavored water and same fig pieces in grinds next morning in coffee machine. Wonder if that would give enough flavor?

Pattee!  What a great idea!  There are tons of flavored coffees.  It HAS to work.  Not sure about putting that sweet fig soaked water through the coffee maker though.  I'd hate to mess up the works!  I've got a Cuisinart Grind & Brew.  It might be safer with instant coffee, but the fig pieces with the grinds should do something!  Maybe lay a few at the bottom of the basket also, so when the hot water drips through, they pick up flavor there as well.

Sure is fun to experiment!
Suzi

If you have a french press that may be the way to go . I thought about the "fig water " in my Cuisinart also and hesitated . I bet the french press would work great - you'll have to try - my french press is in NY LOL!!!

Coffee is such a strong flavor , I don't know if figs will impart enough flavor .Most flavored coffees are with added strong flavors - peppermint cinnamon , pumpkin spice , cardamon etc. I've never looked for a fig extract or flavoring , you?

I have a french press!  Never use it since I got that Cuisinart Grind and Brew!  BUT, now you have me thinking!  Coffee is a strong flavor, so maybe sun tea made with that fig water?  That's a summer drink on ice, and summer is the time for figs!

At a spa, I discovered "spa water."  They had sliced of lemon and cucumber in icy water and you filled your little cup to relax with that refreshing stuff.  Maybe a version with figs and other fruits or vegetables.....................

Suzi

I make oatmeal fig cookies all the time. Chop them up like Pattee said.
I like to add 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, about 1/8-1/4 cup of flax seeds, and substitute half the butter with coconut oil also. I call them breakfast cookies. I use the old quaker recipe.

After having fig jam from Bass, I may try a batch with sesame seeds and walnuts.

Calvin those sound delicious ! I use coconut butter in place of butter also in some recipes. The combos are endless really . Our grandkids love oatmeal cookies , but don't like raisins. I like your addition of the seeds .  Nuts are a must. I'll get some dried figs this week and whip up a batch for them , see if they like them with figs.

Suzi , we've been drinking "spa" water for years . I always drank lemon water as a kid , could never eat cukes ( I like them , they don't like me). Years ago a friend suggested slices in water and that's the only way they do not repeat on me. You're right it is very refreshing.

Reminds me of when I was a child and my father and uncles would put orange or tangerine slices in homemade wine to mascerate . Drank the orangey wine then ate the winey oranges  yum..

Will have to try a wine with fig slices this summer - any suggestions for the wine?

I think if the fig has red interior, probably a light red like pinot noir or merlot, and if it's honey or light inside, a light white like pinot grig.  Chard might be too heavy.  Agree?

Reisling is sweet and might be good too!  Sangria is made with cheap wine, so this should be too!

Suzi

Totally agree and now I want some fresh figs to put in wine !!

 Kadota is the best fig for 'fig raisin', so says most of the literature out there (on the web).  And what about this salad?

http://www.cookforgood.com/recipe/no-fat-fig-sauce.html

Grasa , that sounds delicious !! That sauce could be used on and for a few things. Thanks for posting it .