Fig Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 5 dried Black Mission figs, stemmed and coarsely chopped
• 6 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Combine balsamic vinegar and figs in a small saucepan over high heat, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until reduced to 1/3 cup (about 5 minutes). Combine the fig mixture, 6 tablespoons water, and lemon juice in a blender, and process until smooth.
2. Place the fig mixture in a small bowl. Stir in shallots, thyme, and garlic. Add extravirgin olive oil and salt; stir well with a whisk.