Day 150 - Fig and Port Chutney and Fifth Tally

Fig and Port Chutney (p. 179)

Ever since the Caramelized Figs experience, I've been obsessed with figs. And that bottle of port I opened was just begging to be used while fresh, so this was a natural next step.

Meanwhile, has anyone noticed that cheap ruby port tastes exactly like Manischewitz wine?

This chutney is easy to put together, not too many ingredients (Mom). My only comment about the recipe as written is that it took somewhat longer for me to achieve that "loose jamlike consistency." Martha says 45-60 minutes. Mine went for over an hour and a half. Eventually I did away with the partial cover and just let it evaporate fully.

The end result, while delicious, is less than I expected. The flavorings added (cinnamon stick, lemon rind, and bay leaves) didn't deliver any magic, and all I can taste is figs and port. Which is not a bad thing. I was just expecting some magic. Also, I was expecting the figs to fall apart a little more. They basically kept their shape. Hmmm.

I was surprised to see that there's butter in here, but it makes sense, adding a little richness and texture. Now that it's cold, there's no evidence of it being buttery, but it has a nice smoothness, and I'm sure the butter helps.

I tried eating some of this with the Chicken Curry leftovers, but it was a taste mismatch (the port, I think). But it sure tasted great on my pork chops last night. :-)

Jeff: A
Martha: A

As for the tally, I'm 150 days in - almost halfway through the project, time-wise. And how many recipes/lessons have I completed?

200, even! That leaves 156 to complete in 215 days! I can do that!

Although I'm still bumming about the Soft Shell Crabs. Does anyone know where/how to get soft shell crabs off season? I'll feel incomplete if I do everything but the soft shell crabs....

Also, is there anyone out there who owns the Le Creuset Pate Terrine who might consider lending it to me for a few days? I need it to make Martha's Country Pate, but I really don't want to buy/own this expensive ($140) and arcane piece of cookware. Maybe Martha could lend me hers.

Until we eat again....