• 1 cup walnut halves
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 (1 pint) basket ripe figs
• 1 (8-ounce) piece triple-crème cheese (such as St. André, La Tur, or Brillat-Savarin), at room temperature
• Water crackers , for serving

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place walnuts on a baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until fragrant and beginning to color.

2. In a medium skillet, combine sugar, 2 tablespoons water, oil, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and stir in walnuts. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar caramelizes and coats nuts.

3. Spread nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, breaking apart clumps while still hot; cool completely.

4. Remove stems and slice figs in half lengthwise. Arrange groupings of figs, cheese, walnuts, and crackers on a wooden board or platter. Encourage guests to combine ingredients on crackers.