Marsala Roasted Dates with Orange-Scented Baklava

Preheat the oven to 180°C fan bake.

Dates: Place the dates cut-side down in a single layer in an ovenproof baking dish.

Put all the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Pour over the dates and bake for 12 minutes. Let the dates cool for 10 minutes, then carefully lift out, letting any syrup drip back into the dish, and place on a plate to cool.

Tip the syrup back into the saucepan, discard the cinnamon stick and peel, then boil until reduced and there are bubbles covering the surface of the syrup, about 10 minutes. Cool. Syrup will thicken on cooling.

Filling: Place all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well chopped but not totally fine, otherwise it will be oily.

To assemble: Lay one sheet of filo on the bench. Brush with butter and sprinkle with ¼ cup of the filling. Repeat layering with the filo, butter and filling, finishing the top sheet just with butter.

Cut into 12 even rectangles, then stack 2 rectangles on top of one another. You should have 6 stacks. Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool.

To assemble: Place the baklava on plates and top with dollops of mascarpone. Arrange 4 date halves on top and drizzle over the marsala syrup. Scatter over the pistachios and serve immediately. Serves 6.