Honey Roasted Plums

Tender plum halves glazed with honey and orange juice make a dessert as simple as it is elegant. The sauce thickens slightly as it cools. Serve these plain or with mascarpone, whipped cream, or yogurt.

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 medium red plums or 8 prune plums, halved and pitted
• 2 navel oranges
• ¼ cup honey

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the plums cut side down in a baking dish just large enough to hold them in a single layer.
3. Peel off a 3-inch strip of zest from 1 orange. Cut the oranges in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. There should be about ¾ cup of juice.
4. Stir in the honey into the orange juice.
5. Pour the orange-honey mixture over the plums in the baking dish. Add the orange zest.
6. Bake the plums, basting every 10 minutes, for 30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
7. Let the plums cool slightly and serve them warm.

VARIATIONS:

Here are some variations you can try for honey-roasted plums:

• Honey-Cinnamon Plums: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the plums before roasting them. The warm and aromatic flavor of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey and the plums.
• Honey-Ginger Plums: Add a touch of grated fresh ginger to the honey mixture before pouring it over the plums. The spicy and slightly tangy flavor of ginger complements the sweetness of the plums and honey.
• Honey-Vanilla Plums: Stir in a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into the honey mixture. The vanilla adds a rich and aromatic flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the plums.
• Honey-Balsamic Plums: Replace a portion of the honey with balsamic vinegar. The tangy and slightly acidic taste of balsamic vinegar creates a beautiful balance with the sweetness of the honey and the plums.
• Honey-Lavender Plums: Infuse the honey with dried culinary lavender by heating the honey gently and stirring in a tablespoon of dried lavender buds. Let it steep for a few minutes before using it to coat the plums. The delicate floral notes of lavender add a unique and aromatic twist to the dish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Plain: Serve the honey-roasted plums as they are, warm or at room temperature, for a simple and delicious dessert or snack.
• With Yogurt: Serve the honey-roasted plums with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt. The creamy and tangy yogurt pairs well with the sweet and juicy plums.
• With Ice Cream: Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with the warm honey-roasted plums. The contrast between the warm plums and cold ice cream is delightful.
• Over Pancakes or Waffles: Spoon the honey-roasted plums over freshly made pancakes or waffles for a flavorful and indulgent breakfast or brunch treat.
• With Whipped Cream: Serve the honey-roasted plums with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a light and creamy accompaniment.
• With Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola over the honey-roasted plums for added texture and a hint of nuttiness.
• As a Topping: Use the honey-roasted plums as a topping for desserts like cheesecake, pound cake, or angel food cake.
• In a Salad: Chop the honey-roasted plums and use them as a component in a mixed green salad. Their sweet and tangy flavor adds a unique twist to the salad.