This fig and mascarpone dessert is hard to beat. I also like to make it with muscat grapes or blueberries, in the same way as set out in this recipe. The pastry is unusual, but it works well with soft fruit tarts such as this one. Small battery-run blowtorches, or gas torches, are available at good kitchen shops or some hardware stores. They are used to caramelise the sugar topping on foods, making a delicious crisp brown crust without heating the food underneath. This can also be done under a hot griller, but care has to be taken not to let the food beneath cook or warm.