Hot Plum Batter

Hot plum batter is a delightful and warming dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of ripe red plums. This recipe combines the juicy plums with a light and fluffy batter, creating a comforting and satisfying treat. The plums are quartered and stoned before being placed in a wide shallow ovenproof dish. The batter, made with skimmed milk, milk powder, muscovado sugar, vanilla essence, self-raising flour, and egg whites, is then poured over the plums. As it bakes, the batter rises and becomes golden, forming a delicious crust that encases the tender plum pieces. Once out of the oven, the hot plum batter is lightly dusted with icing sugar and served immediately. The contrast between the warm, sweet plums and the airy, slightly crispy batter creates a delightful texture and flavor combination that is sure to impress.

INGREDIENTS:

• 450g/1lb red plums, quartered and stoned
• 200ml/7fl oz skimmed milk
• 4 tablespoons skimmed milk powder
• 1 tablespoon muscovado sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 75g/3oz self-raising flour
• 2 egg whites
• Icing sugar for dusting

PREPARATIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas mark 7. Lightly oil a wide shallow ovenproof dish with vegetable oil and add the quartered and stoned plums.
2. In a food processor, combine the skimmed milk, milk powder, muscovado sugar, vanilla essence, self-raising flour, and egg whites. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the batter over the plums in the ovenproof dish, ensuring that the plums are evenly covered.
4. Bake the hot plum batter in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is well risen and golden.
5. Remove the dish from the oven and lightly dust the top of the hot plum batter with icing sugar.
6. Serve the hot plum batter immediately while it is still warm.

YIELD: Serves 4

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• You can use other varieties of plums if desired, but make sure they are ripe and sweet for the best flavor.
• If you prefer a richer texture, you can substitute whole milk for skimmed milk and add a tablespoon of melted butter to the batter.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of muscovado sugar according to your taste preferences and the sweetness of the plums.
• Serve the hot plum batter as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently before serving.

Hot plum batter is a delightful dessert that showcases the natural sweetness and juiciness of ripe red plums. This recipe combines the plums with a light and fluffy batter, resulting in a comforting and satisfying treat. The plums are quartered and stoned before being placed in a wide shallow ovenproof dish, creating a beautiful arrangement. The batter, made with skimmed milk, milk powder, muscovado sugar, vanilla essence, self-raising flour, and egg whites, is then poured over the plums.

As the hot plum batter bakes in the oven, the batter rises and becomes golden, forming a delightful crust that encases the tender plum pieces. The aroma of the baking plums fills the kitchen, creating an enticing and comforting atmosphere. Once out of the oven, the hot plum batter is lightly dusted with icing sugar, adding a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

The contrast between the warm, sweet plums and the airy, slightly crispy batter is truly delightful. With each bite, you experience the burst of juicy plum flavor combined with the light and fluffy texture of the batter. The hot plum batter is best enjoyed immediately after baking, while it is still warm.

To add an extra touch of indulgence, you can serve the hot plum batter with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool and creamy accompaniment pairs perfectly with the warm plum flavors and the delicate texture of the batter.

Whether enjoyed as a comforting dessert on a chilly evening or served as a special treat for guests, hot plum batter is sure to impress. The combination of sweet plums and a light batter creates a delightful flavor and texture experience that will leave you craving more.