A
Apples. Chop or slice either Calimyrna or the Mission variety of California figs and stuff into cored Rome Beauty apples to bake. No need to add any sugar. Top baked apples with vanilla yogurt.

B
Breads. California figs add sweetness, and moisture, to the whole array of breads. Add chopped California figs to yeast-leavened whole wheat or cinnamon rolls or the biscuits or scones made form a mix or scratch.

C
Cookies. Chopped California figs are wonderful in almost any drop or bar cookie. Consider Figged Spice Drops, Figgy Blondies, Oatmeal and Fig Cookies, for example.

D
Dips. Since California dried figs come with their stems on they're ready for dipping into melted white or dark chocolate, whipped cream or lemon-flavored yogurt.

E
Eau de vie (or spirits). Stew figs in port, in bourbon or in citrus juice with a splash of the fruit-flavored liqueur of your choice. Float a little thick cream on top and serve for a sumptuous dessert.

F
Focaccia is today's trendy new bread. Just combine chopped figs with some olive oil, rosemary and garlic, spread over the bread and bake till hot. Great!

G
Grains. Stir some sliced or chopped figs into rice, cous cous, wheat or barley kernels as they cook. Add some sauted onion and chopped fresh herbs and you've fixed a feast.

H
Honey and figs have gone together since the beginning of food history. Although figs themselves are wonderfully sweet, just a swirl of honey adds a delightful flavor.

I
Ice cream made with California figs can be the star of any social. Chop or puree figs and stir into partially frozen ice cream in a home ice cream maker. Finish freezing, then scoop and enjoy.

J
Jalapeños. The rich sweetness of California figs goes well with the spiciness of pepper in fresh salsas or simmered chutneys.

K
Kolache. Finely chop California figs in the blender or food processor, then use to fill the centers of these sweet buns. Start with a package of hot roll mix or frozen bread dough to save time.

L
Lentils, the little legume that's big on menus, take well to figs. Simmer the lentils with chopped or sliced California figs, some garlic and herbs in chicken broth, then serve up as a side or main dish.

M
Muffins - the logical spot for chopped California figs. Try a spicy bran muffin batter with added figs, or consider them in lemon, orange or banana versions. You can reduce the sugar in the recipe by a teaspoon or two since the figs add sweetness.

N
Nuts are co-stars with California figs in many a recipe. Consider a fig and almond tortes, fig and pecan pie, fig and walnut drop cookies, fig and hazelnut coating for pork tenderloin, fig and pine nut focaccia topping.

O
Oranges. Stew whole dried California figs in orange juice spiked with orange peel and a cinnamon stick. Serve as dessert or on a brunch buffet.

P
Pancakes. Puree or finely chop California figs to toss into buttermilk pancake batter.

Q
Quiche. Chopped California figs, Swiss cheese and bits of smoky bacon make an unforgettable quiche for lunch or supper.

R
Rosemary is an herb made to match with figs from California. Chop the two together and use to stuff pork chops, chicken breasts or dumplings.

S
Salads seem more elegant with the addition of a few whole sliced California figs. Try Caesar with slices of Calimyrnas, for example, or Waldorf with chunks of Mission figs.

T
Tarts can be quick, but impressive little desserts. Spoon a prepared pudding into ready-made tart shells, top with a few California fig slices and sprinkle with shredded lemon zest. Masterpieces in mere minutes.

U
Upside Down Cake. Tuck a slice or chunk of California fig in the center of the pineapple and then reduce the sugar in the topping just a bit - a tasteful surprise.

V
Vegetables can be surprisingly good when seasoned and sweetened with halved or sliced California figs. For example, sweet potatoes, green beans, roasted onions, squash of any kind.

W
Waffles can be wonderful with figs. Puree a few California figs with orange juice in the blender and then add to waffle batter in place of sugar and some of the liquid in the recipe. Add a few finely chopped figs, along with a few finely chopped nuts, to the batter before baking.

X
The generation thereof is always looking for a nutritious snack. California figs, as is, satisfy a sweet tooth, as well as some important nutritional needs.

Y
Yogurt. Stir a few finely chopped California figs into plain or vanilla yogurt. Add a bit of granola for a quick breakfast.

Z
Zucchini. Stir sliced or chopped dried California figs into your favorite zucchini bread or cake recipe. You'll be glad you did.