Fig and Pear Jam

4 pears, peeled, cored and diced
½ cup dried white figs, diced
¼ cup honey
¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
¼ cup almonds, slivered
¼-½ tsp. pepper, freshly cracked

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the pears are translucent and the cooking juices syrupy. Let cool.

Serve at room temperature with soft cheeses (triple cream brie, for example).