Figs Poached With Red Wine And Tea

• 3/4 cup brandy
• 3/4 cup dry red wine
• 3/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons grated orange rind
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
• 2/3 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup strong-brewed black tea
• 2 whole cloves
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1 (6-inch) vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1 (8-ounce) package dried figs or other dried fruits
• 3/4 cup vanilla low-fat ice cream
• Lemon zest (optional)

1. Combine first 11 ingredients in a medium saucepan. Stir well; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer 30 minutes. Strain brandy mixture through a sieve into a bowl, and discard solids. Return brandy mixture to pan. Add figs; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 1 hour or until figs are soft. Remove figs from pan, reserving brandy mixture. Let figs cool slightly; cut each fig in half.
2. Arrange 5 fig halves on each of 6 dessert dishes; drizzle 1 1/2 tablespoons brandy syrup over figs. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons ice cream. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired.
3. Note: This can be made a day ahead; cover and chill, and bring back to room temperature and serve.

brandy, red wine, honey, orange rind, lemon rind, orange juice, lemon juice, black tea, cloves, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean, vanilla low, lemon zest

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/figs-poached-with-red-wine-tea (may not work)