Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1       pound        Fresh figs -- preferably Black Mission, chopped
     1/3   cup          Red wine
   1       tablespoon   Balsamic vinegar
   1       pinch        Salt
     1/8   teaspoon     Freshly ground pepper
     1/2   teaspoon     Sugar
   1                    Sprig fresh thyme

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients with 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Cover; bring to boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer; cook, partially covered, until fruit has broken down, about 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly; remove thyme sprig. Press mixture through a large-holed sieve with a rubber spatula.