Spiced Plum Preserves

There is so much amazing fruit in the summer here on the central California coast.
I am lucky enough to have a sister who is a master gardener and very generous with her bounty.
Recently she was showing me her plum trees and how big her harvest will be.
I still had two bags of frozen plums from last year, time to get busy.
As each new summer crop ripens, I try to use what I have in the freezer from the previous year.

Here's the recipe I've developed for a unique plum preserve.

Spiced Plum Preserves
yield: 7-8 half pints

8 cups plums, seeded and quartered
1 cup fruit juice or water
1/2 vanilla bean
spice bag with 3 cardamon pods or 1/4 teaspoon seeds, 1 inch cinnamon stick
6 cups sugar

1) Seed and chop enough plums for 8 cups. For easy processing of those pitted fruit, check out this link.

2) In a large pot add the fruit, liquid, vanilla bean and spice bag. Simmer for 30 minutes. The smell is heavenly !

3) Add 6 cups of sugar, stir well and bring back to a simmer.

4) Cook for 30 minutes or until the mixture begins to jell. It will stiffen up as it cools so don't over cook it. Remove the vanilla bean and spice bag.

5) If you are going to can it, do the whole canning magic thing with sterilized jars, lids and canning kettle.

6) For those canning the preserves, use the 5 minute hot water bath. Otherwise it will keep in the fridge for several months and makes a great gift.

The depth of flavor is amazing with the tart plums, vanilla and spices !!