Lancashire Fig Pie

Directions

1. 1
   Roll the pastry to 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a deep 8 inch pie plate.
2. 2
   Cut the stalks off the figs and place fruit in a shallow saucepan with enough water just to cover them, cook over a low heat until tender (fresh figs need 5-15 minutes cooking time, depending on their ripeness; dried figs should be first soaked for 12 hours with a squeeze of lemon juice before being stewed in their soaking liquid).
3. 3
   Drain the figs and retain 1 1/4 cups of the liquid (top up with hot water if necessary); pour a little of the juice into a basin, add the cornstarch and mix until it resembles a thin smooth cream; gradually add the rest of the liquid, stirring well.
4. 4
   When mixed return the juice to the saucepan and place over a moderate heat; stir until thickened, then cook for another 2 minutes; mix in the spice, currants and syrup and remove from heat.
5. 5
   Arrange the figs over the pastry then pour the thickened fig liquid over them, making sure the currants are evenly distributed.
6. 6
   Bake the pie on the middle shelf of the oven pre-heated to 400F / 200C / gas mark 6 for 30-35 minutes; serve hot or cold with cream or vanilla ice cream.