Figs with Honey and Champagne

• 1 pound dried Calimyrna figs
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 1/2 cups dry sparkling wine
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 3 long strips lemon zest
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly toasted

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the figs and water and let stand for 1 hour.
2. Add the wine, honey, sugar, lemon zest and bay leaves and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the figs until softened, about 20 minutes.
4. With a slotted spoon, transfer the figs to a bowl.
5. Boil the cooking liquid until syrupy, 6 to 8 minutes.
6. Remove the strips of lemon zest and the bay leaves and pour the syrup over the figs.
7. Sprinkle with the fennel seeds and serve warm.

figs, water, sparkling wine, honey, sugar, long strips lemon zest, bay leaves, fennel seeds

Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/figs-with-honey-and-champagne (may not work)