Raspberry Rose meringue pie

Make the pastry: Measure the flour and icing sugar into a bowl and rub in the butter until resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add egg yolk and a little water until just comes together (use as little water as possible for the shortest crumbliest pastry). This can be done in a food processor if preferred. Chill for 30 minutes and use to line a 9inch/23cm fluted loose bottomed flan tin. If pastry is difficult to roll out just press into the bottom and sides of the tin allowing the pastry to stand above the sides of tin (this can be trimmed off neatly once cooked). Line with greaseproof paper and baking beans and bake blind for 15 minutes, removing the paper and beans and bake for a further five minutes. Leave to cool while you make the filling. Lower the oven to 150ðC/300ðF/Gas 2 (Fan 130ðC).

For the raspberry filling: Wash the raspberries and blitz in a food processor. Press the raspberries through a sieve to obtain as much juice as possible and whisk the cornflour into this juice, mixing thoroughly. Put the water into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Pour the raspberry and cornflour mixture into the water whisking constantly until thickens. Mix the egg yolks into the sugar and whisk this into the thickened raspberry custard. Bring back to the boil whisking all the time. Remove from the heat and allow to cool a little before pouring into the pastry case.

For the meringue: Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl with a hand whisk until they form stiff peaks. Whisk in the sugar a dessertspoon at a time adding the rosewater with the last addition. Spread over the raspberry custard ensuring there are no gaps and bake for 45 mins until golden beige and crisp. Remove from oven and scatter with the toasted almonds or petals if using.

For the rose syrup: Dissolve the sugar in the rosewater in a small saucepan and bring to the boil, simmer for a minute or two and leave to cool before drizzling all over the pie. Serve with lightly whipped cream and extra syrup if liked.