Expert: Elyse Grau - 12/22/2009

Question
I have a recipe for fig cookies, but don't know how to prep them. I've never actually seen them until a few days ago when I opened the package. The recipe called for "chopped fresh" figs. Sunmaid and unchopped are all I could find. I'm not even sure how to chop them and how small to make them, or even if the outter portion of a fig is part of what is used. I could really use the advice of someone who knows how to bake because a more general cooking expert suggested seeking a baking person. Anything you could give me would be appreciated because most recipes are too vague and in their own language by author.

Answer
The figs you bought are dried, and so will have less moisture than fresh. I'm not sure what to suggest since I don't know how the recipe says to use them, but you might just want to pour a little boiling water over them to rehydrate. If they're soft enough though, they might just be fine straight from the package. How small to chop them depends on how they are used, but it probably doesn't make a lot of difference. You use the whole thing. Also, if you haven't tasted them already, you should know that they are VERY sweet!

Elyse