Figs with warm honey

Serves 4

Serve the dish while the figs are still slightly warm (Lisa Barber)

Perfectly ripe figs served on their own without any adornment make for a simple and beautiful dessert. But if you feel you are in need of something slightly richer, try this: it is just as lovely.

8 ripe figs
2 tbsp acacia honey
2 tbsp water
2 sprigs of thyme

Heat your oven to 180C/350F/Gas4. Now tear the figs roughly and unevenly and place into a roasting tray.

Once the oven is hot, place the tray on the middle shelf and roast for 8-10 minutes, or until the figs have slightly puffed up and their juice has begun to ooze.

While the figs are cooking, place the honey and water into a small saucepan along with the thyme.

Place over a low heat and stir until the honey has melted. Now remove the figs from the oven and arrange on to four plates.

Spoon out the sprigs of thyme from the honey and pour the warm honey over the figs. Serve while the figs are still slightly warm.