So it seems my domestic urges are tied to the calendar.  In the dead of winter, I preserve lemons.  In the middle of summer, I make herb salts and syrups.  Once it's properly cold, it's hot chocolate paste.  And when fall starts to set it, it's shrubs. I went to the grocery store, found figs on sale for some ridiculously good price, bought pounds and pounds of them, and made a huge batch. It's percolating on the counter right now, all bubbles and good smells. And before you ask, yes, it does seem ever so slightly gross to think about [...]