Cooking the Plums:

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped plums and 4 tbsp of water. Add the sugar, salt, star anise and pumpkin spice (or cinnamon) to the pot. Keep the star anise whole; you’ll remove it later to avoid an overwhelming anise flavour.
2. Stir to incorporate the sugar and spices.
3. Place the saucepan on medium heat and allow the plums to boil for about 5 minutes until they become very soft.

Blending:

1. Remove the star anise from the mixture.
2. Pour the contents of the pot into a high jug if using a stick blender or into your blender. If using a regular blender, place a kitchen towel over the lid to prevent splattering from hot liquid.
3. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth, and the plums are pulverized.
4. Add the butter, and blend again. This cools the mixture enough to prevent the eggs from getting scrambled.
5. Add the eggs and blend again until everything is fully incorporated, resulting in a pale pink colour.

Straining:

1. Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer back into your saucepan. This step helps remove any remaining pieces of plum peel.

Thickening the Mixture:

1. Set your stove to medium heat and stir continuously, ensuring you scrape the bottom of the saucepan to prevent sticking. A silicone spatula works well for this.
2. Maintain a very light simmer; avoid boiling to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
3. Depending on the initial juiciness of your plums, the mixture will begin to thicken over time. Continue stirring until it coats the back of a spoon, and a visible trace remains when you drag your finger or a small spoon across it.

Jarring and Cooling:

1. Fill clean jars with the Spiced Plum Curd and cover them with cling film. Press the cling film directly onto the curd to prevent a skin from forming.
2. Allow the curd to cool; it will continue to set as it cools.
3. Once fully cooled, remove the cling film and close the jars tightly. The Spiced Plum Curd can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
4. Spread your delicious Spiced Plum Curd on bread, use it in donuts, or incorporate it into various baked goods for a lovely autumn treat!