Fig Cardamom Cake

Preheat the oven to 350° and prepare a 9" cake pan. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Blend figs in a food processor; if using dried figs, you may need to add a little water. (Leave 2 figs to slice for decoration). Once figs form a jam-like consistency, gently mix in the figs with the wet ingredients and combine with the dry ingredients. You don't want to over-stir. Combine dry ingredients with wet by gently folding the batter, not mixing too hard. Mixing hard will lead to a more dense, heavy cake, while folding will make it rise better. Arrange 2 sliced figs decoratively in the cake pan, cut side down, and sprinkle with sugar. Gently pour the batter over the arranged figs. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool. Flip and serve.