Fig Pizza with Juniper

Because it is one of the primary flavoring agents of the spirit, eating a juniper berry instantly calls to mind the flavors of gin. The juniper berries I favor, those from J. communis, not only have those gin flavors, but also an underlying sweetness of fruit.  These characteristics give juniper a versatility in the spice cabinet that goes far beyond its typical use as a flavoring for strongly-flavored meats, particularly game.
Fig Pizza with Juniper
pizza crust
1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage
1/2 tsp. black pepper
5 crushed juniper berries
1 medium onion, sliced in half moons
1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
6 fresh figs, chopped (substitute 3 Tbsp. fig preserves)
4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese
Romano cheese

1. Fry the sausage as crumbles, along with the black pepper and juniper, in a pan over medium heat just until cooked through.  Add the onion slices and vinegar, and continue to cook until the sausage and onions take on brown edges.

2.  Sprinkle the sausage and onion mixture over your pizza crust.  Dot on the pieces of fig.  Finally, distribute slices of the mozzarella cheese.

3. As the sausage has already been cooked, bake the pizza according to directions for your crust of choice.

4.  Grate a bit of Romano cheese over the pizza before serving.