Dear Fig Lovers,

Figs are in season! I had never eaten a real fig until I came to California. They are a nice surprise! Before coming to California, I sure had my fill of Fig Newtons that's for sure. This afternoon I made fig spread with black pepper and toasted sesame seeds which I have never done. It was quite fun and relaxing on my day off.

Usually when I cook, I alter recipes to fit my taste, needs and what I have on hand. I only made a third of the amount of what the recipe called for. I had to because figs were a bit expensive at Whole Foods and what if I ended up not liking the fig spread.

I am my mother's daughter and so is my sister. My mom loves to cook and does it so so well. Keep in mind, she follows no recipe. It seems as though my sister and I both itch to find an exciting new recipe to attempt to liven our meals. Her latest: pickled vegetables. My latest: corn bread muffins.

Eager to pack my lunch for tomorrow, of course, it will include the fig spread,
My-Linh

P.S. I have been waiting for months to get Heidi Swanson's Super Natural Every Day (cookbook) from the library! I got the fig spread from her Super Natural Cooking cookbook.