Fig Walnut Puffs

22 California dried figs

-- stewed, drained 5 Egg whites

1 ts Vanilla extract

3/4 c Sugar

1/2 c Broken walnut meats

Sweetened whipped cream -OR- top milk Set aside 6 whole stewed figs for topping. Puree or mash remaining figs, snipping off stems first. Whip egg whites until very stiff. Add vanilla, then slowly whip in sugar. By hand, fold in figs and broken walnut meats. Place in _unbuttered_ baking pan or casserole and bake in moderate oven (325 F.) for about 45 minutes or until puffed and delicately firm. Serve while warm in dessert dishes and top each with whole fig and walnut half. Pass sweetened whipped cream or top milk. Source: 48 Family Favorites with California Figs Reprinted with the permission of The California Fig Advisory Board Electronic format courtesy of Karen Mintzias