Fig recipes

A magnificent tart with a crisp, sweet pastry shell filled with baked almond frangipane and topped with fresh fig halves that caramelise in the oven to a deep, gorgeous colour. The rich almond cream and the honeyed sweetness of the figs are one of the great flavour pairings in British seasonal baking.

Whole fresh figs gently poached in spiced ruby port until swollen and yielding, served in their glossy, wine-dark syrup alongside a thick spoonful of crème fraîche. This is an extraordinarily simple yet deeply elegant dessert that is perfect for autumn dinner parties and requires almost no effort.

One of the most effortlessly beautiful dishes in the British late summer table — ripe fresh figs split open and served with silky prosciutto, peppery rocket, and a drizzle of aged balsamic and honey. Ready in minutes, this starter needs no cooking and lets the extraordinary flavour of British-grown figs speak for itself.

Griddled lamb chops served with a quick, luxurious fig and rosemary sauce that brings together the deep earthiness of lamb with the honeyed sweetness of fresh figs. This is a sophisticated British autumn weeknight meal that can be on the table in well under an hour.