Walnut tree for me

Did you know they come from a tree? I don't think I have ever seen a walnut tree before or even thought about where they came from but saw a walnut tree recently. I now want one in my backyard Santa.

The Latin name, Juglans, derives from Jupiter glans, "Jupiter's acorn": figuratively, a nut fit for a god.

Just some foodie education for the day. 

Figs ripieniA traditional recipe from Mr V - he said his grandmother used to make these in Calabria around Christmas time.

Ingredients:

• grated tangerine rind and tangerine juice
• Walnuts
• grated semi-sweet chocolate
• Sambuca, cognac or homemade grappa (moonshine) -your choice
• Fresh figs - Turkish ones (apparently they are bigger and better)

Create your own quantities of the above ingredients as you may want it more fruity and nutty or more alcohol laden.

Instructions:

• Make a cut in each fig so you can open it wide enough to fill
• Mix the juice of one tangerine and some grated tangerine rind with your alcohol of choice
  
• Fill each fig with a little of this juice mixture until it is absorbed
• Fill each fig with some chopped walnuts and grated chocolate
  
• Store in a container with bay leaves as the bay leaf gives it a distinct flavour and fragrance

Serve before dinner with an aperitif or after dinner with fruit/cheese & wine.