Spiced Plums

Spiced Plums Recipe - Aromatic and Flavorful Dish from New Zealand

Region / culture: New Zealand | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spiced plums are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even as a topping for savory dishes. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors, along with warm spices, makes this dish a favorite among many.

History

Spiced plums have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. The addition of spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and balsamic vinegar adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the plums.

Ingredients

1 kg plums
375 ml water
125 ml honey
60 ml maple syrup
1 cinnamon stick, broken in two
2 star anise
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
Cut the plums in half and remove the stone.
Place the plums in a large dish, arranging them in a flat layer with the cut side down.
In a saucepan, combine all the other ingredients and bring them to a boil.
Pour the syrup over the plums and tightly cover the dish with a lid or foil.
Bake the plums in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender.
Remove the foil and let the plums cool slightly.
Serve the plums.
These plums can be easily reheated on the stovetop.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or brandy for an extra kick.
Top the plums with chopped nuts or granola for added crunch.
Serve the plums with a drizzle of cream or custard for a decadent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe plums for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of honey and maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.

- Experiment with different spices such as cloves, nutmeg, or ginger for a unique twist on the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Spiced plums can be served on their own, with a dollop of yogurt or ice cream, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the plums in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the plums to become tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use agave nectar or brown sugar instead of honey.

- Substitute apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

Spiced plums can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the spiced plums in a decorative dish and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Spiced plums pair well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a glass of red wine for a sophisticated dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover spiced plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of spiced plums contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of spiced plums contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of spiced plums contains minimal amounts of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of spiced plums contains negligible amounts of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spiced plums are a good source of vitamin C and fiber, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Spiced plums may contain allergens such as honey and nuts, depending on the recipe variations used.

Summary

Spiced plums are a nutritious and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack. They are low in calories and fats, making them a healthy option for those watching their weight.

Summary

Spiced plums are a delightful and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether served as a dessert or snack, these plums are sure to impress with their sweet and tangy flavors.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for spiced plums. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the ways of the kitchen from my mother. We were hosting a dinner party for some friends and my mother decided to make a special dessert - spiced plums. I watched in awe as she peeled and sliced the plums, adding a variety of spices and sugar to create a fragrant and delicious dish.

As I helped my mother prepare the spiced plums, I asked her where she had learned this recipe. She smiled and told me that she had learned it from her own mother, my grandmother. She explained that this recipe had been passed down through the generations, with each woman adding her own twist to make it unique.

My grandmother had learned to make spiced plums from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been cherished and perfected over the years, and now it was my turn to learn the secret to making the perfect spiced plums.

After that first taste of the spiced plums, I was hooked. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors, with a hint of warm spices, was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself, so I begged my mother to teach me the recipe.

Over the years, I practiced making spiced plums whenever I could. I experimented with different spices and techniques, trying to perfect the balance of flavors that made this dish so special. I asked my mother for tips and advice, and she was always happy to share her knowledge with me.

As I grew older, I began to collect recipes from other sources as well. I would watch cooking shows on television, read cookbooks, and even attend cooking classes to learn new techniques and flavor combinations. But no matter how many recipes I tried, the spiced plums always held a special place in my heart.

One day, I was visiting a friend who had just returned from a trip to India. She brought back a recipe for spiced plums that she had learned from a local chef during her travels. I was intrigued by the exotic spices and flavors in this new version of the dish, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

I spent hours in the kitchen, carefully following the instructions in the recipe my friend had given me. The aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger filled the air as the plums simmered on the stove. When I finally tasted the finished dish, I was blown away by the complex and delicious flavors that I had created.

From that moment on, I began to incorporate elements of this new recipe into my own version of spiced plums. I added a pinch of cardamom here, a dash of ginger there, until I had created a dish that was truly my own. My family and friends raved about my spiced plums, and I knew that I had finally mastered the art of this beloved recipe.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of spiced plums for a dinner party of my own, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. This recipe, with its rich history and unique flavors, has become a part of who I am. And as I serve the spiced plums to my guests, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that has been passed down through generations - a tradition of love, creativity, and delicious food.