Crunchy spiced plums

• sugar↗2 tbsp tbsp
• whole star anise2
• large or 12 small plums8

  halved

• butter↗knob
• Hob Nobs4

  (biscuits)

• custard

  or vanilla ice cream, to serve

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Mix the sugar with 2 tbsp water in a baking dish, add the star anise, then pop in the plums, cut-side down. They should fit quite snugly. Dot with the butter. Roast for about 5 mins until the plums are starting to soften on the bottom, then turn them over. Roast for another 5 mins or until tender – this will depend on how ripe your fruit is.

2. 2

   Roughly crush the Hobnobs, then spoon a little on top of each plum half. Return to the oven for a few mins more until the biscuit topping takes on a dark gold colour. Serve the plums and their scented, syrupy juices with custard or ice cream.