Orange Spoon Fruit with Feta and Spiced Almonds

1 . Stage

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. With a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the oranges in long strips. Boil the strips in the water for 1 minute, then drain. Repeat this blanching 4 more times with fresh water to remove any bitterness. Transfer the zest to a food processor and finely chop. Remove the bitter white pith from the oranges, then chop the flesh into 1/2-inch pieces.

2 . Stage

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, orange juice, and lemon juice with the cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, and star anise and bring to a boil. Add the minced orange zest and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Add the chopped orange flesh and simmer until very thick, about 25 minutes.

3 . Stage

Discard the spices and the bay leaf and transfer the mixture to a food processor. Process until thick and jamlike. Transfer the spoon fruit to a bowl and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

4 . Stage

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the almonds and cook over moderate heat until richly browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cardamom and season the almonds with salt and pepper. Let them cool completely.

5 . Stage

Spread the spoon fruit on the toasted brioche and top with the feta. Sprinkle with the almonds and thyme and serve.