Transform a classic lemon meringue pie. You could substitute the rhubarb for any other stewed fruits. For this recipe you will need 4 x 12cm/4½in flan tins. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.

Forced rhubarb, which will shortly disappear, is one of early spring's rare seasonal treats. 'Sure, wild garlic is starting to peep through,' says Tom Parker Bowles, 'and English chicory, too, but ...

Chop the rhubarb into ½cm slices. Place in a sterilised jam jar with the seeds from the cardamom pods and the zest of a lemon. In a pan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Heat until ...

Turn the meringue upside down on the teacloth, carefully remove the paper from the base, Spread the whipped cream over ¾ of the meringue, leaving piece nearest you clear, add spoonfuls of compote ...