Dessert: Marsala and Dried-Fig Crostata

What to drink: Malvasia, a sweet Italian dessert wine, or a dessert Sherry made with Pedro Ximénez grapes. Susan Simon likes the Carlo Hauner 2000 Malvasia delle Lipari Passito, also from Salina.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Cinnamon

Health and fertility benefits of Marsala and Dried-Fig Crostata

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds dried Calimyrna figs, stemmed, coarsely chopped
1 3/4 cups dry Marsala
1 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in heavy large saucepan and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until figs are very tender, about 1 hour. Uncover and simmer until liquid reduces slightly, about 8 minutes. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Cool slightly. Refrigerate until cool, stirring occasionally (mixture will be thick), about 45 minutes. Discard cinnamon sticks. (Filling can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep chilled.)

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