Ready for thebigday

Serves 12 Prep time 40 min Cook time 2 hours 10 min, plus at least 2 hours cooling Specialist kit 2 piping bags (see Know-how); small star nozzle; plain nozzle MAKE AHEAD You can make the meringue pie

Bring all the beloved flavours of the classic tart together into a showstopping cake. Almond-rich sponges are sandwiched with black cherry conserve and finished with silky buttercream – just the thing

Ingredients (Serves 8) 3 figs, halved 160 g flour 80 g butter 75 g caster sugar 2 eggs 125 g unsalted butter 90 g self raising flour 50 g ground almonds 1 Rub the butter into the flour until it resemb

Share the load with your guests and ask each to make one of these delicious dishes for your next alfresco gathering

With food director Jen Bedloe

You’re on a Tuscan terrace with a sundowner in hand… conjure up all the holiday feels with our relaxed Italian sharing menu