Title: Pretty party mousse
 Categories: Desserts
      Yield: 10 Servings
 
     18    Vanilla wafers
     20    California dried figs
           -- stewed and cut up
      1 c  Evaporated milk
           -OR- light cream
      1 c  Water
    1/2 c  Sugar
    1/2 ts Instant coffee
      1 ts Cinnamon
      1 ts Vanilla
      1 c  Minced toasted walnut meats
      2 c  Heavy cream; whipped
      1 qt Chocolate ice cream
           Whole figs for garnishing
 
  Crumble vanilla wafers and cut the figs into saucepan.  Add
  evaporated milk or cream, sugar, and instant coffee.  Place over
  medium heat and stir constantly until cookies and figs are blended
  with the liquid.  Chill until cold.  Add cinnamon and vanilla.
  Meanwhile, mince walnut meats and place in moderate oven (350 F.) for
  about 10 minutes or until crisp.  Whip cream, reserving one-fourth
  for garnishing.  Place ice cream in mixing bowl, stir until somewhat
  softened.  Quickly add fig cookie mixture, nuts and whipped cream.
  Combine thoroughly, working fast.  Before ice cream melts turn it
  into a mold and place in freezing compartment of refrigerator. Freeze
  fast until firm.  To serve, dip quickly into just-warm water, turn
  out on chilled serving plate, garnish with whipped cream that has
  been sweetened and flavored with vanilla.  Surround with whole figs.
  Serves 10 to 12.