In the dish, arrange the figs cut side up in a single layer. Drizzle the honey over the figs. Add the water. Sprinkle the tops of the figs with the sugar.
Preheat the oven to 450F. ( See Ann's Tips)
Lightly grease a small ovenproof gratin dish or another baking dish big enough to hold the figs. Arrange the figs in the dish cut side up in a single layer. Drizzle the honey over the figs. Add the water. Sprinkle the tops of the figs with the sugar.
Bake on a high shelf for about 20-25 minutes or until the figs are slightly caramelized on top and soft, and a red syrup has formed in the bottom of the dish. Remove from the oven and let cool. Serve warm or at room temperature with the syrup spooned over the figs. Add a dollop of creme fraiche or plain Greek yogurt if desired.
You can also cook the figs under the broiler. Make sure that they are on the lowest rung setting from the element so that they don't cook too fast and burn.
If you like, dot the tops of the figs with butter before adding the sugar. This will help caramelize them.
6 servings