FILO CROUSTADES OF FIGS, ALMONDS AND CLOTTED CREAM (Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS:

Plain flour, for dusting; 8 sheets of filo pastry; 80g butter, melted, plus extra for greasing; 80g caster sugar; 75g flaked almonds, toasted; 4tbsp clotted cream; 4 ripe figs, stems trimmed and crossed to press open; 2tbsp honey. To serve: 200g clotted cream

METHOD:

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan)/325°F/gas 3 and grease four 10 centimetre tart tins, one and a half cm deep.

2. On a lightly floured surface, cut out 12x12 centimetre squares from the filo pastry. From the remaining pastry, cut out eight discs, using a five centimetre round cutter. 3. Brush one filo disc with melted butter on one side and place it butter-side down into a tart tin. Lightly brush three of the filo squares on both sides with melted butter, then cut them in half into triangles. Arrange the triangles evenly on the disc like petals, then seal them with another filo disc on top (this will ensure light, flaky and crisp croustades). Repeat to assemble the remaining three tart shells.

4. Bake the tarts for eight to 10 minutes until crisp and golden, then carefully place them on a wire rack to cool. Remove from the tins once cool.

5. Put the sugar in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat; do not stir but carefully swirl in the pan until the sugar is brown and caramelised. Should take about three to four mins. Toss in the almonds to coat them.

6. Place a dollop of clotted cream into each filo shell, add a fig, top with a scattering of caramelised almonds and drizzle with honey. Serve topped with a dollop of clotted cream.