Roasted Plums over Creamy Rice Pudding

Step 1: NOTE: The star anise adds flavor and decoration to this recipe and should not be eaten.

Step 2: Preheat THE oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced.

Step 3: Place plums flesh-side-up onto a baking tray lined with baking paper; combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl & drizzle with vanilla bean paste then stir to combine.

Step 4: Spoon the mixture evenly over plums and place a star anise on 6 of the halved plums.

Step 5: Roast plums for 15 minutes or until tender; remove from the heat and set aside to cool to room temperature

Step 6: *To make the Creamy Rice Pudding*:

Step 7: Combine milk, cream, caster sugar, orange zest and vanilla in a medium saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Stir in the rice and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan, for 30-35 minutes until rice is soft and creamy and the mixture has thickened.

Step 9: Remove rice pudding from heat, cover with a sheet of baking paper and stand for 10 minutes.

Step 10: To serve ~ Using 4 individual plate's or a large serving dish ~ divide the same amount of creamed rice into each dish, place 3 plums on top of rice and spoon over some any of the leftover juices. Make sure each dish has 1 plum with the star anise for nice presentation.