Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Fresh Figs with Mascarpone and Warm Spiced Honey 4.1 (9) Close Credit: Elizabeth Germain This healthy dessert utilizes fresh figs -- a nutrient-rich fruit popular in Europe and brought to California in the late 18th Century by Spanish Franciscan missionaries. Directions Arrange the figs cut-side up among four plates. Use the back of a teaspoon to gently press into the center of the flesh and create a small indentation. Add a dollop of mascarpone to the center of each fig half and set plates aside. Place honey and spices in a small heat-proof bowl and set over a pan with simmering water. Cook over medium heat, whisking to blend, until the honey is liquefied and warm, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle honey over each fig, garnish plates with mint sprigs, and serve immediately. Cook's Notes Some nutritionists recommend figs for helping to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure.