BALSAMIC AND ANISE FRUIT

This dessert is utterly delicious and lightning quick to make, yet classic and classy enough to serve at the most grown-up of dinner parties. It can all be left until the last moment as you won’t be away from the dinner table for long and when you return, arms laden with this jewel-like platter of fruit, you will certainly be welcomed back with great enthusiasm!

SERVES 4

115ml (3¾fl oz) balsamic vinegar

2tbsp soft brown sugar

1 star anise

8 large strawberries, hulled and cut into quarters

■ 2 medium ripe plums, stoned and cut into quarters

■ 4 figs, cut into quarters

TO SERVE

■ Vanilla ice cream

Put the balsamic vinegar, soft brown sugar and star anise in a small pan over a medium heat. Bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and leave to bubble away until the mixture has reduced by half.

Arrange the strawberries, plums and figs on a serving platter or divide between bowls, then drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Serve with vanilla ice cream.