Simple Yet Sophisticated Dessert Options

by: Casey Pukl

Executive Chef Todd Allison has been known to whip up an impressive dessert or two in the Anthology kitchen. (I hope you’ve been lucky enough to try his chocolate soufflé!) Known for using farm fresh ingredients, Todd is definitely the man to talk to before heading to your weekend farmer’s market. I asked him what I should get to make an impressive yet simple dessert for my weekend dinner party that wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen instead of chatting up my guests.

Todd had one very simple, very confident, and very delicious answer, “Figs.”

According to Allison, figs are very easy to work with, and can be prepped as easily as just slicing them in half, sprinkling some brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves on top, and broiling until browned on top. Pull them out, and top with a bit of balsamic vinegar, a spoonful of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Voila! Instant dessert!

If you want to get a little more complicated, Todd recommends tossing some chopped apples, figs, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, anise, and cloves in a medium size bowl. In a separate bowl, combine ½ c Rolled Oats, 2 tbsp Butter (Chopped), ¼ c Flour, and some light brown sugar and spices. Mix together and top the fruit mixture with the crumble topping. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes (or until top starts to brown and crisp). Top the mixture with some vanilla ice cream, walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can’t go wrong.