Plum Vanilla Bean Bellini Recipes

PLUM-VANILLA PRESERVES

Steps:

• Start with our step-by-step canning how-to.
• Put the plums, sugar, vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks in a large, wide saucepan. Squeeze the lemon juice through a strainer into the pan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils, about 10 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy or deep-fry thermometer registers 220 degrees F, about 30 minutes. (To be sure that the mixture has reached the gel point, spoon some onto a chilled plate and put in the freezer until cool. The liquid should set; if not, continue to cook and retest after a few more minutes.) Remove the pan from the heat and let cool 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, sterilize four 8-ounce canning jars and lids.
• Return the plum mixture to medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring, then add the plumcots. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the plumcots are tender, about 5 minutes. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
• Fill the jars with the plum mixture, leaving 1/2 inch headspace, then seal and process.

PLUMS AND PEACHES IN BLUEBERRY VANILLA SYRUP

Steps:

• In a small nonreactive saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, wine and water. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean pieces into the pan; add the vanilla bean pieces to the pan. Set over medium heat, partially cover and bring to a brisk simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reduced and is slightly syrupy, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer the syrup to a heat proof bowl and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours, or overnight.
• Remove the vanilla bean pieces from the syrup. In a food processor, puree the syrup.
• In a large bowl, stir together the plums, peaches, syrup and lemon juice. The dessert can be served immediately or it can be refrigerated for up to 1 hour.
• Spoon the fruit mixture into dessert bowls, dividing the syrup evenly and using it all. Sprinkle each portion with some of the mint and serve immediately.