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fig & banana pudding

You will need 400g/ 14oz ready-to-eat figs 1 banana, sliced 50g/2oz brown sugar 100g/ 4oz breadcrumbs 1 orange, juice and rind 50g/2oz vegan margarine, melted 5-10ml/ 1-2tsp brandy 25g/1oz pecan nuts, chopped finely

Pre-heat the oven to 190C, 375F or gas mark 5. Place the figs in a small amount of water, cover and simmer until they have softened. Drain and put on one side. In an ovenproof dish, layer the figs, banana, sugar and breadcrumbs, orange rind, melted margarine, orange juice and brandy, finishing with a layer of breadcrumbs and sugar. Sprinkle with the nuts. Place in the centre of the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy.

Figs. This erotic, fleshy fruit is said to act as a powerful sexual stimulant. Originally from Syria, it is one of the oldest known plants. Ritual copulation followed the arrival of the new fig crop in Ancient Greece and it is said to have been Cleopatra's favourite fruit. For the ancient Greeks the fig was one of the sacred foods associated with fertility and love. In some Southern European countries wedding guests throw figs (instead of rice) at the newly weds, as a sign of fertility.

Copyright The Vegetarian Society's recipe collection 'Feeding the Imagination' 1997