Pedro Ximenez is sweet, rich and deeply concentrated; I use it to drizzle over vanilla ice-cream, soak raisins until they are fat and plump or just to sip. Serve with plum pudding or minced pies.

This plum tarte tatin is a cheat’s variation of the classic French dessert and makes an impressive pudding to serve in the autumn with lots of cream or ice cream. Equipment and preparation ...