Grace autumnal menus with plump and stately fresh figs – they’re the ultimate grown-up fruit for simple starters, smart tarts, or curious cocktails... Fresh figs go particularly well with rich flavours - cured meats such as Prosciutto make a delicious match, as do cheeses with plenty of gumption. Cook figs into a sticky preserve to serve with your favourite deli ingredients, or simply slice into a pretty fan and arrange around a few thin slices of Parma ham. Roasting can bring out the best in a fresh fig; try them drizzled with honey, spices, citrus juice and a little butter for dessert decadence. Or end your meal, like cocktail supremo, Salvatore Calabrese with a fun fig, Grand Marnier and tequila cocktail.
For the very best in tasty and virtuous treats, try Paul Hollywood's wholesome and easy-to-make date and fig bread
Add a touch of the Mediterranean to your breakfast table with Gioconda Scott's recipe for home-made fig jam
An unusual cocktail combining tequila and the delicate flavour of figs - from Salvatore Calabrese
Enjoy an elegant dessert with David Massey's fig and almond tart served with mascarpone cheese
Janet Brinkworth's cheesy baked figs in crisp Parma ham are made in a flash and taste fabulous too!
Ed Baines proves that sweet succulent figs inside a crisp, buttery filo case are a delicious way to end a meal
Sweet succulent figs combine with salty blue cheese and Parma ham to make this appetising starter from James Martin
Tamasin Day Lewis's luscious roasted figs make a simple but impressive dessert for a special occasion
Sweet, caramelised figs complement smooth-textured batter in Mike Robinson's delectable take on a classic French dessert
Warm figs make a wonderful combination with orange segments and buttery brioche in this lovely breakfast combination from Sophie Grigson
