courtesy of CARLA LALLI MUSIC

Ingredients
3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more for pan
8 plums, cut into thin wedges
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
2 tablespoons anise liqueur (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Butter a 2-qt. baking dish, then dust with granulated sugar.
3. Arrange plums in dish.
4. Pulse eggs and remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar in a food processor to combine.
5. With the motor running, stream in half-and-half, anise liqueur, if using, and vanilla.
6. Add flour and salt and pulse to combine.
7. Let custard sit 10 minutes, then pour over plums.
8. Bake pudding 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F and continue to bake until custard is golden and set, 20–25 minutes longer.
9. Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.