Candied Orange And Star Anise Upside Down Cake

Preheat the oven to 320u0b0 F (160u0b0 C).
Use a very sharp knife to finely slice the oranges and set to one side. Pour the sugar and the water into the frying pan and set over a medium heat to dissolve the sugar, then add the orange rounds and star anise and leave to bubble away for 10 minutes or so, until the fruit has softened. Now take the pan off the heat and set to one side to cool.
Toss the butter into a small saucepan and set over a low to medium heat to melt, then set aside to cool.
Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl; add the sugar and cinnamon and whisk vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes until the eggs become light and fluffy, and have almost tripled in volume. Sift the flour over the egg mixture and gently fold through the batter. Add the ground almonds and pour in the melted butter, before folding through.
Pour the batter over the orange slices and set the pan in the middle of the oven to bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a knife comes out clean when inserted into the middle of the cake.
Leave the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, before gently loosening the edges with a knife and turning the cake out onto a platter. It's most delicious served still slightly warm, with brandy butter.