Fig, Fennel, and Lemon Tart

This southern Italian-inspired tart is made especially aromatic with just a touch of fennel seed. But it’s the figs, standing between the two contrasting flavors—lemon and anise—that bring this dessert together. Be sure to macerate the lemon slices and make the pastry a day in advance.

Though figs come in a rainbow of colors ranging from black to purple to brown to green to tan, for me black ones work best here. Whatever type you choose, please be sure they’re ripe and bulging, with