Grilled Mushrooms with Organic Black Garlic Glaze and Fresh Figs

Ingredients:

• 8 mushrooms or as many mushrooms as you like :)

• 8 ripe figs

• 1 bulb of organic black garlic

• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

• Fresh thyme for garnish

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Olive oil for grilling

• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Method:

Crafting the Black Garlic Glaze:

1. Black Garlic Preparation: Remove the cloves out of the organic black garlic bulb. This unique ingredient has been aged to perfection, boasting a sweet, molasses-like flavor, a world away from the pungency of raw garlic.

2. Glaze Creation: Over a low heat, whisk together the black garlic, balsamic vinegar, honey, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Keep stirring until the black garlic is fully mashed and the ingredients have melded together into a cohesive glaze.

3. Consistency Check: Let it simmer just enough to thicken it to a glaze-like texture. If it thickens too much, a touch of water will bring it back to the desired consistency.

4. Taste Test: Sample the glaze and season with salt and pepper if you feel it's needed. Maintain the glaze on a very low flame to keep it warm.

Grilling the Mushrooms:

1. Grill Heat Up: Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot over a medium-high setting.

2. Grilling Time: Lay the mushrooms on the grill with the gill-side down first. Grill them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they're perfectly tender and beautifully marked by the grill.

Figs Finishing:

1. Fig Preparation: While your mushrooms are grilling, take the figs and quarter them. They're not just for sweetness; their texture is a delightful complement to the dish.

Final Assembly:

1. Glazing: Once off the grill, brush the mushrooms with the warm black garlic glaze, making sure the gill sides are well coated.

2. Top with Figs: Set the fig quarters atop the glazed mushrooms, arranging them for both aesthetics and flavor.

3. Garnishing: A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and a scattering of sesame seeds, if using, will add both visual appeal and a hint of earthiness.

4. Ready to Serve: Present the mushrooms immediately, ensuring they are enjoyed at their most flavorful, with the mushrooms absorbing the glaze.

This dish is a splendid choice for an elegant appetizer or a light entrée. The melding of savory mushrooms with the natural sweetness of black garlic and figs creates a dish that is both nourishing and delightful. It's a recipe that invites you to embrace the art of cooking and the joy of sharing your creations with others. Enjoy your meal!