Just Desserts: Honey Vanilla Frozen Yogurt with Fig Compote

Just because winter is just around the corner doesn't mean you have to give up frozen treats. In fact, when I lived in Russia, I quickly learned that you eat cold foods on the streets when it is cold outside, so as not to shock your system, according to folklore. As a result, in the dead of winter you could find vendors selling dirt cheap ice cream cones on almost every corner. This honey vanilla frozen yogurt with fig compote is the perfect treat for winter when you're desperately craving summer to return.


Frozen Yogurt Ingredients:
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 can fat-free evaporated milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons honey (or more to taste)
1 to 1 and 1/2 cups plain yogurt

Stir together cornstarch and sugar in a heatproof tall-sided pan or bowl. Stir in evaporated milk. Heat on medium to high heat until the mixture comes just to a boil. Be careful the milk does not burn. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla and honey. Stir in yogurt. Let the mixture come to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to chill (2-3 hours or overnight). Place in an ice cream maker and churn until creamy.

Fig Compote Ingredients:
8-10 fresh figs
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoons orange juice
1 teaspoon red wine

Combine all the ingredients into a sauce pan and heat until boiling. Simmer and reduce until thick.