Autumnal Spiced Plums Food

CRUNCHY SPICED PLUMS

Steps:

• 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.
• 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.

AUTUMNAL SPICED PLUMS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325 degrees. Arrange plums cut side down in an ovenproof dish that holds them in 1 layer.
• In a medium saucepan, combine honey, syrup, cinnamon, star anise, vinegar and 1 1/2 cups water. Place on medium-high heat. As soon as mixture begins to boil, pour evenly over plums. Cover dish tightly with foil.
• Bake plums until tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove foil, and let cool slightly. To serve, place 4 portions of plums in 4 shallow bowls, and top with syrup. Plums may be refrigerated and served cool or reheated.

POACHED PLUMS

Steps:

• To prepare the plums: wash and cut them into quarters, then remove the stones.
• Tip the sugar into a pan with 225ml water, the cinnamon and vanilla. Gently heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Slide the fruit into the syrup. Bring the pan to the boil, then let it simmer for 5-10 mins - depending on the ripeness - until the plums are soft. Leave to cool slightly and serve as they are with something creamy.