Figs treat

Looking Ahead to Valentine’s Day   Many foods have a reputation for making romance more pleasurable. The word aphrodisiac comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality. Lists of popular aphrodisiacs include: figs, chocolate, cinnamon, honey, oysters, and ginger.   The sweet allure of figs is legendary throughout history. A symbol of love and fertility, California figs sensuously avail themselves to the cook in dishes begging to be served on Valentine’s Day.    Sweetheart Parfaits   Fig-Orange Sauce: 1 cup sliced, stemmed Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs 2/3 cup orange juice 1/3 cup packed golden brown sugar 1 tablespoon orange-flavored liqueur or orange juice 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice   Cheesecake Mousse: 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup whipped heavy cream   Topping and Garnish: 1/2 cup crumbled shortbread cookies 1/4 cup chopped, toasted pecans or almonds Sprigs of fresh mint, optional   Directions To make sauce: In small saucepan, combine figs and orange juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced to about 1/4 cup, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in brown sugar and simmer until liquid is syrupy, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in orange liqueur and lemon juice. Chill until serving time.   To make mousse: With wire whisk, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gently whisk in 1/2 the whipped cream. With rubber spatula, fold in remaining whipped cream. (Sauce and mousse can be held in refrigerator up to 1 day.)   To serve: Spoon mousse in bottom of 4 martini or champagne flutes. Smooth to an even layer. Top with fig sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled cookies and nuts. Garnish with mint.