Simmer gently for about 30 seconds. Place the focaccia slices on serving plates, arrange the fig halves on top and spoon over ...

Put the figs into an oven, pre-heated to 180 C, and cook for 15 minutes. They should be soft and cooked, but not collapsing. Mix the yoghurt and mascarpone together. Add icing sugar to taste ...

Here the layers comprise a confection of cream and mascarpone, seasonally spiked with Advocaat, full of crystallised ginger, figs and nuts, and that essential component of Christmas: gingerbread.