easy vegan fig tarts

Originally populated by Italian immigrants, a fig tree graces the backyard of just about every home in South Philadelphia  – even if the backyard is 10 ' x 10 '. Check out Giovanni's fig tree. Indeed, if I had sunny outdoor space, I would plant one, too.

Simple dessert or breakfast treat

I don't have access to home-grown figs, but I won the consolation prize: this container of plump aubergine-colored organic figs I spied at the market.

Fig tarts, just before baking

Although succulent and juicy when eaten fresh, baking the figs morphs them into a caramel-like gooey topping with the help of some brown rice syrup and agave nectar. Knowing this, I decided to use them as tart toppers. A splash of rose or orange flower water gives them a Middle Eastern "je ne sais quoi."

Drizzle it, just a little bit. Another pre-bake shot

These tarts are no-brainer breakfast treats or elegant desserts. You can also make tiny fig tartlettes by cutting each puff pastry square into 4 pieces, and placing only 1 fig quarter on each square. [You'll need to check the tiny tarts after about 7-8 minutes, though.] Let me know how you like them. And if you do, please check out my new pie cookbook, Pies and Tarts with Heart 

Easy Vegan Fig Tarts

• 4 sheets vegan puff pastry [I use Kineret, an Israeli brand that's available on the East Coast in Wegman's]
• About 8 medium figs, quartered
• 2 T brown rice syrup
• 1 T agave nectar
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp rose water or orange flower water
• Zest of one organic lemon or orange

Makes 4 tarts

Defrost puff pastry according to package directions. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees and place some parchment or a silpat on a large cookie sheet.

Mix the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Place the puff pastry on the parchment and slightly turn up edges with your fingers to form a ridge or crust.



Arrange your figs in a pretty pattern on the puff pastry. [Try neat rows or concentric circles, to start.] Drizzle with syrup mixture and then spray each tart lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 15 minutes or until tarts are golden.

Wasn't that easy?