PLUMS IN MARSALA

PLUMS IN MARSALA image

Yield 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 lb (1.35 kg) fresh firm plums
1 pint (570 ml) Marsala
1 vanilla pod
2 cinnamon sticks
3 oz (75 g) golden caster sugar
2 level teaspoons arrowroot
You will also need a 10 x 8 inch (25.5 x 20 cm) baking dish, 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 4, 350°F (180°C).

Steps:

First place the plums, vanilla pod and cinnamon sticks in the baking dish, then mix the Marsala with the sugar and pour it over the plums. Now place the dish on the centre shelf of the oven and cook for 40 minutes, uncovered, turning the plums over in the Marsala halfway through the cooking time. Then remove the baking dish from the oven and strain the plums, discarding the vanilla pod and cinnamon sticks, and pour the sauce into a medium-sized saucepan. Bring it up to simmering point, then let it bubble and reduce for 5 minutes. Now mix the arrowroot with a little water in a cup to make a paste, then whisk this into the liquid. Bring the sauce back to simmering point, whisking all the time, until it has thickened slightly and is glossy - about 5 minutes. Then pour it back over the plums and serve them hot or cold.