This quick little dish feels quite Autumnal with its spicy red wine sauce. I urge you to try it!
FOR 6 - 8 PEOPLE 24 ripe figs, wiped clean 500 ml (15fl oz) red wine 125 g (4 oz) caster sugar 3 or 4 drops vanilla essence 1 pinch of ground allspice or a mixture of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon
Quarter the figs without cutting right through the skin - just open them up. Arrange them in one layer in a flameproof casserole.
In another pan, bring the wine to the boil with the sugar, vanilla essence and spice, then pour over the figs. Simmer for 10 minutes. Put aside to cool.
Lift out the figs and arrange in bowls, then pour over some of the wine. Serve chilled.