This is a star anise - I don't think I have ever seen one close up before but it was used in the pudding which was served at a friend's house this evening. It was roasted peaches and figs with a cinnamon, orange and aniseed sauce - very tasty, although I don't much like figs so I concentrated on the peaches - and the lemon mousse that was also served. All in all, a lovely evening.

Got home to hear about Paul's few hours watching the live feed from the Bliptogether event which I have since watched online. It looked like fun!