Ingredients for the crust:
100g of digestive biscuits
55g unsalted butter
25g Demerara sugar (optional)
A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the filling:
1 tsp powdered gelatine
340g of cream cheese, full fat will give you a better result but you can use light, at room temperature
200g of Greek, plain full fat yogurt
85g of caster sugar
1 Tbsp of lemon juice
½ Tsp of Vanilla paste
¼ Tsp of Sea salt
Ingredients for the Roasted Figs:
4 figs, ripe but firm
40g of unsalted butter
1 vanilla bean divided into 4
½ Tsp of caster sugar
How to make the crust:
This is a really simple and versatile one so just run with it. Grab your biscuits and break them into your food processor. Pulse until you get a fine crumb, a bit like breadcrumbs, and then tip them into a big bowl.
Add the sugar if you are using and a ‘fat pinch’ of salt.
Tip #1 : The reason that sugar is optional in this crust is because it will depend on the biscuits you are using. For this recipe I used oat digestive biscuits that have a low content of sugar to begin with, so I had to add some. However if you are using a richer biscuit you might not need sugar at all. For example I have made this crust with rich tea biscuits and added no extra sugar as I thought the sugar in the biscuits was enough. What I am trying to say is use whatever biscuits you prefer, just remember to keep to plain flavours as it might not pair nicely with the figs.
Add your butter in a small pan and place it over a low flame. Stir, just enough to melt it, then add it to your biscuit bowl and mix away until you have a uniform dry paste that holds together when you pick a bit up and squeeze between your fingers.
Tip #2: The absorption of butter by the biscuit will depend hugely on the biscuit you choose to use so add the butter slowly and test it along the way. If it crumbles in your hands and doesn’t hold at all, add a bit more, even if that means adding more than the recipe states.
Now that you have your base done its time to bring out your glasses or ramekins. Divide the mixture by the glasses and gently press down to make a uniform compact layer at the bottom of the glass. Pop them in the fridge for one hour while you relax.
Tip #3: I love to use clear glasses for this as it lets you see all the layers, however use what you have at hand or even go freestanding with some kitchen rings. The only thing that matters is that you use something around 7 cm diameter as that will give you the exact 4 portions.
How to make the Filling:
It’s time to tackle you filling and it couldn’t be easier. Grab a heat resistant bowl and add 2 Tbsp of water. Pop you gelatine in there and walk away.
In your food processor add all the filling ingredients (except the gelatine). Pulse until completely silky.
Now back to your gelatine. Get a small pan and place about one inch of water in it. Put it over a medium flame and once its boiling, place the bowl with your gelatine on top and slowly mix with the help of a metal wisk or fork.
Once the gelatine is fully melted, add it to your mixture in the food processor while it’s still running.
Tip #4: If you add the gelatine to the main mixture without constant mixing it will solidify in one big lump, defeating the objective.
Once you have your final mix, divide it by the 4 glasses and tap them hard on the work surface to eliminate any air bubbles. Cover loosely with cling film making sure you don’t touch the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Tip #5: This is also a great make-ahead recipe where you can leave in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding the topping and serving to your guests.
How to make the Roasted Figs with Vanilla:
Start by heating up your oven to 200C / 400F / Gas6.
Now it’s time to take care of your figs, so give them a light wash, pat them dry and make a cross incision on the top. Pop one of your vanilla pod pieces in there and reserve.
Now grab an oven proof dish that you can also place over the stove and melt your butter there over a low flame. Once melted add the sugar and stir to dissolve it. Place the figs in the oven proof dish and into the oven. Bake for 10 minutes.
Tip #6: Make sure your dish is big enough for all the figs to stand upwards but not too big as they might fall on their sides not baking correctly.
To serve:
Just remove one of your glasses of cheesecake from the fridge about 15 before serving so it’s not too cold and top with a roasted fig. Serve immediately.
Enjoy
Tip #7: The figs can be served cold or warm but the warm version creates a fantastic experience.