Duck with spiced plums

Method

1. Halve the plums, remove the stones and cut into wedges. Place in a small saucepan with the ginger, star anise, chilli, sugar, and the lime zest and juice. Heat over a low heat to dissolve the sugar, then turn the heat up a little, cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the plums are tender. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/fan160ºC/gas 4. Slash the skin of the duck breasts with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern, then sprinkle with the five-spice and some sea salt.
3. Heat a heavy ovenproof frying pan over a medium-high heat. Place the duck in the pan, skin-side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Tip most of the fat from the pan, then turn the duck over and sear the other side for 1 minute. Put the pan in the oven and cook for 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of the duck breasts (we think they’re best served pink).
4. Remove the duck to a warm plate and rest for 5 minutes. Slice the duck breasts and serve with the spiced plums and some wilted greens and potatoes, if you like.