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Plum Jam: A classic recipe
One of the most popular ways to use surplus plums is to make jam. Plum jam is a classic recipe that is easy to make and can be enjoyed all year round. To make plum jam, start by washing and stoning the plums. Then place the plums in a large saucepan with the sugar and lemon juice and cook over a medium heat until the mixture thickens and reaches the gelatinous stage. When the jam is ready, fill into sterilised jars and allow to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place. Plum jam can be enjoyed on toast, scones or even as a glaze for meat.
Plum Chutney: A sweet and savoury delight
If you’re looking for a savoury way to use up those extra plums, plum chutney is a great option. This sweet and tangy condiment is perfect with meats, cheeses and crackers. To make plum chutney, start by sautéing the diced onion and garlic in a saucepan until soft and translucent. Then add the diced plums, vinegar, brown sugar and spices such as ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens and has a jam-like consistency. You can adjust the sweetness and heat to your liking by adding more sugar or chilli flakes. When the chutney is ready, let it cool before transferring it to a sterilised jar and storing it in the fridge. Plum chutney can be enjoyed as a condiment with cheese and crackers, on sandwiches or even as a glaze for roast meats.
Plum Tart: A perfectly comforting dessert
Plum pie is a classic dessert that is perfect for using up any extra plums. To make plum pie, start by making a homemade pie crust or using a ready-made one. Then wash and slice your plums and mix them with sugar, cornflour, lemon juice and cinnamon. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and top with another layer of pie crust or a crumb topping made from flour, oats, butter and brown sugar. Bake the pie in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow to cool before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Plum pie is a comforting and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Plum Sorbet: A refreshing summer treat
If you’re looking for a refreshing way to use up excess plums, plum sorbet is the perfect summer treat. To make plum sorbet, start by washing and stoning your plums, then puree them in a food processor or blender until they’re smooth. Then add the sugar syrup, lemon juice and a pinch of salt to the puréed plums and blend until well combined. Pour the mixture into an ice-cream maker and churn until you have a sorbet-like consistency. If you don’t have an ice-cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow bowl and scrape up the mixture with a fork every hour until it has a sorbet-like consistency. When ready, scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy on a hot summer’s day. Plum sorbet is a refreshing and delicious way to use up excess plums and beat the heat.
Plum Sauce: A flavourful addition to any dish
Another way to use up excess plums is to make a tasty plum sauce that can be added to a variety of dishes. To make a plum sauce, start by sautéing the diced onion and garlic in a saucepan until they’re soft and translucent. Then add the diced plums, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce and spices such as ginger and cinnamon. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens and develops a deep, rich flavour. You can adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking by adding more sugar or vinegar. When the plum sauce is ready, let it cool before transferring it to a sterilised jar and storing it in the fridge. Plum sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, egg rolls or dumplings, or as a glaze for roast meats. It’s a versatile and delicious way to use up excess plums and add flavour to any dish.
Plum Salsa: A unique twist on a classic dip
For a unique and tasty twist on a classic dip, try making plum salsa with your extra plums. To make plum salsa, start by washing and dicing your plums and mixing them with diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, coriander, lime juice and a pinch of salt. Leave the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavours to meld. The end result is a sweet and spicy salsa that’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips or serving with grilled meats. You can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less jalapeños. Plum Salsa is a delicious way to use up any extra plums and add a unique flavour to your next party or get-together.
Plum Butter: A spreadable delight
Plum butter is a smooth and spreadable jam-like substance that’s perfect for using up excess plums. To make plum butter, start by washing and pitting your plums, then puree them in a food processor or blender until they’re smooth. Then transfer the puree to a saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a spreadable consistency. Add the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to taste and continue to cook until the mixture is thick and shiny. When the plum butter is ready, let it cool before transferring it to a sterilised jar and storing it in the fridge. Plum butter can be enjoyed on toast, bagels or even as a filling for pastries. It’s a delicious and unique way to use up excess plums and make a spreadable treat that can be enjoyed anytime.
Plum Cocktail: A boozy drink for any occasion
For a fun and boozy way to use up excess plums, try making a plum cocktail. To make a plum cocktail, start by washing and pitting your plums, then blend them in a food processor or blender until they’re smooth. Then add your favourite spirit, such as vodka or gin, along with some simple syrup and a squeeze of lemon juice. Shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a fresh plum slice or mint twig. You can also experiment with different flavours and ingredients to create a unique and personalised cocktail. Plum cocktails are a fun and creative way to use up any extra plums and make a boozy drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
Plum salad: A fresh and fruity salad idea
If you’re looking for a fresh and fruity way to use up any extra plums, try making a plum salad. To make a plum salad, start by washing and slicing your plums and tossing them with some mixed greens. Then add some crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. You could also add some grilled chicken or prawns to make the salad a little heartier. Plum salad is a delicious and refreshing way to use up any extra plums and create a healthy and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and can be personalised with different greens, cheeses and dressings.
Plum Crumble: A simple and delicious dessert
Plum crumble is an easy and delicious way to use up any extra plums and make a comforting dessert. To make plum crumble, start by washing and slicing your plums and placing them in a baking dish. Then mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter until the mixture forms a crumbly topping. Sprinkle the topping over the plums and bake in the oven until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Plum crumble is a comforting and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s also easy to customise with different spices and toppings, such as chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
FAQs
What is the best way to use up excess plums?
There are many ways to use up excess plums, including making plum jam, plum chutney, plum pie, plum sorbet, plum sauce, plum salsa, plum butter, plum cocktail, and plum salad.
Can plum jam be stored for a long time?
Yes, plum jam can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.
What kind of dishes can plum sauce be used in?
Plum sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes, including as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, egg rolls, or dumplings, or as a glaze for roasted meats.
What kind of alcohol goes well with plum cocktail?
Vodka and gin both go well with plum cocktail, but you can experiment with other spirits to create a unique and personalized cocktail.
What kind of nuts can be added to plum crumble?
Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts can be added to plum crumble to add some crunch and texture to the topping.