Figs do seem to be more of a speciality store item than just in a regular grocery store. So perhaps you can find something in a store like Whole Foods or Trader’s Joe. I have found them in Trader’s Joe. Also perhaps at a farmer’s market. They are supposed to be ripe now through the end of September. That being said, if you still can’t find fresh figs (which if you can I recommend using fresh) you can try dried figs. I have never made this recipe with dried figs and so I can’t guarantee the outcome. But because you are making the jam first and using fig jam, it just may work. If you are trying dried figs, you should reconsititue the dried figs in some water for a couple of hours. The fig water could than replace the water you use in the jam, adding the sweet fig flavor even more. Again I have not done this but it might work. Please let me know. And good luck.