50 Comments
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AlisonB's avatar

"It is always wise to seek permission before handling someone else’s bush."

Always good advice!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Quite!

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leni's avatar

I used to go to school with Pat Jennings daughters and church with his family. Unsurprisingly he has massive hands. He was very quiet shy and gigantic compared to his petite wife.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

This is one of the things i LOVE about this place - the ridiculous connections that so often come up! I really liked his quiet way when interviewed

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Amie Elizabeth White's avatar

This ice cream sounds an absolute triumph! (even if it is reminiscent of baby's scalp). The third footnote will most definitely be included in my 'quotes that got me through' memoir

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Danielle Ellis - Severn Bites's avatar

I recently made Fig leaf and raspberry sorbet from Kitty Travers book La Grotta Ices. Really good! Also trialling some fig leaf liqueur with vodka. Both using fresh leaves

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Mark Diacono's avatar

That’s a great book isn’t it, and I’ll be interested to know what the fresh fig leaf vodka works out like

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Nicola Morgan's avatar

I will have to make the ice cream and do a comparative tasting with your tarragon and olive oil one. I use your fig leaf syrup in so many things - used it in a Basque cheesecake last weekend, replacing half of the usual sugar. Thank you!

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Amela Marin's avatar

I’m so sorry I missed this important post, but I couldn’t let it go by without sending you my warmest belated birthday wishes! It sounds like you celebrated in the most delightful way, with fig leaves in attendance, their fragrance a hint of the delicious treats to come. I’m inspired—heading to my neighbour’s fig tree as soon as I finish this, and planning to plant one of my own when the time is right. Cheers to another year of growth and sweetness in your life!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

You have a very good neighbour if they have a fig! And thank you for the birthday wishes

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Giulia Scarpaleggia's avatar

I have a fig tree in the garden and now, under the scorching sun, it releases exactly this heavenly aroma every time I pass by. I’m so making this gelato, happy I can use soy or oat milk to make it dairy free. Also, happy birthday, I was born in July, too!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Happy birthday to us! Thank you too, I hope the sun is shining on you post birthday

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JP Clark's avatar

Oh my goodness! I think this might be my favourite recipe yet! I have a huge fig tree and the fragrance from just cutting some of the branches the other day was intoxicating. Now to find my ice cream maker!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

It'll be behind the juicer in the cupboard next to the sink! I hope you like it JP - it's a real summer favourite here

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JP Clark's avatar

I’ll find the bread-maker there too!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

🏆!

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Oooo I've got a huge fig tree/plant/bush in the front garden, so will definitely be giving this a go! Looks delicious and the process sounds almost therapeutic. Another great post, Mark!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thanks Mark, it really is a reward just in the doing!

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Gill Hill's avatar

Now here’s something I can do with my fig tree (never likely to actually make any bloody figs!). I have toyed with getting an ice cream maker but I feel I’d be the size of a small family car!

Haha Pat Jennings hair was a thing wasn’t it … Lego hair as we called it up here.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

That is the trouble with an ice cream maker! I do love them though. And yes, 70s/80s hair was quite something!

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Kirstie Young's avatar

Off to hunt down a Fig tree, and then try some of these gorgeous sounding ideas. (And it’s not often a footnote makes me splutter 👀)

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Ha ha! Good luck in your hunt

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Johnnie Peter-Hoblyn's avatar

A bag of leaves arriving Thursday from a friend , forgot how good they are

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Mark Diacono's avatar

That's exactly the sort of friend to look after

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Kathy Slack's avatar

Ooo, now, I've made fig leaf panna cotta but never tried the coconut milk option. Thanks for the inspiration, as ever, Mark.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

You are most welcome, and thank you!

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Annie Graves's avatar

I love the sound of drying fig leaves and all the ensuing recipes. Those flavours/scents sound delicious. I’ve have a small fig tree in the garden , got to give this a go now!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Drying the leaves is about the best way of getting pleasure from a young/small fig tree I know - I hope you enjoy it

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Elisabeth Luard's avatar

Dried fig leaves as flavouring desserts - wonderful idea and thought. Am about to scour West London's front gardens with a pair of scissors and a basket....

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Mark Diacono's avatar

What a great thought you going scrumping for leaves in West London is!

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Clare Heal's avatar

I love a fig leaf. Never thought of grinding them before though and can't wait to try.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

It turns them from a herb into a spice!

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