Caramelized Figs With Lavender Honey and Cream

Ingredients

• 12 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms
• 8 fresh figs
• cut in half lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 14 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Combine honey, lemon zest, and lavender in small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Continue simmering for 1-2 minutes stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and let stand for 10-15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile arrange fig halves in a cake pan or on a baking sheet and broil, 4-6 inches from the flame, for 5-8 minutes or until they are bubbling and just slightly brown on top.
5. Strain honey mixture into a small bowl and add the lemon juice.
6. Pour heavy cream into a medium bowl and whisk until just slightly thickened.
7. The cream should still be runny--you don't want to make whipped cream.
8. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream in the center of each dessert plate, arrange four fig halves on top of the cream and spoon the strained honey mixture over them.
9. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.