Balsamic Plum Preserves Food

PORK TENDERLOIN WITH SWEET BALSAMIC PLUM SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 F.
• Trim pork tenderloin of any silver skin. Rub all of tenderloin all over with olive oil. Spoon the Monreal seasoning (or salt and pepper, or other favorite rub) over the tenderloin and spread it to cover the entire cut of meat from all sides.
• Place the pork tenderloin in a roasting pan, cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes in a preheated oven at 425 F, until the tenderloin is cooked through and pale pink in the center, or until a thermometer inserted into the center of the pork reads at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Depending on your oven, you might have to cook pork longer than 30-40 minutes.
• Remove the pork tenderloin from the oven and slice in the center to check for desired doneness - if it's too pink for you, cover the pan with foil and let it sit for 10-15 minutes on the counter (the pork will continue cooking in its own heat).
• When ready to serve, slice the pork into 1-inch slices.
• In a medium size skillet, combine cubed plums, balsamic vinegar and honey and bring to boil.
• Reduce to simmer (but so that it's still boiling on lower heat) and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, to reduce the sauce. The plums should soften and release juices.
• Remove from heat, cover and let it sit for another 10 minutes, covered, before serving, - that will help the sauce to thicken.
• Spoon the plum sauce over the sliced pork tenderloin.

CAPRESE SKEWERS WITH PLUM BALSAMIC DRIZZLE

Steps:

• Put the bocconcini in a large bowl with the olive oil, red pepper flakes and some salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
• In a food processor or blender, puree the plums with the balsamic vinegar until smooth. Pour the mixture into a medium pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat down to simmer and cook until the mixture has reduced by about half, several minutes. It should be fairly thick, but remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools. When cool, pour it into a squeeze bottle and refrigerate.
• Trim about 2 inches of the leaves off the bottoms of the rosemary sprigs. Skewer a tomato followed by a bocconcino onto each. Arrange on a platter, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, squeeze over the plum balsamic drizzle.

BALSAMIC PLUM PRESERVES

Steps:

• Stir together all ingredients except basil in a 4-qt. microwave-safe glass bowl.
• Microwave at HIGH 8 minutes (mixture will boil). Stir mixture, and microwave at HIGH 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened. (You're going for the viscosity of pancake syrup here.
• The mixture will thicken to soft-set preserves after it cools and chills.) Stir basil into warm preserves.
• Cool mixture completely (about 2 hours). Serve immediately, or cover and chill preserves in an airtight container until ready to serve. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.

PLUM PRESERVES

Steps:

• Wash plums, cover with water.
• Cook until tender.
• Remove seeds and cut up.
• Measure 6 cups pulp.
• Add sugar, juice and grated peel of orange and lemons and raisins.
• Cook until thick and clear.
• Add nuts, then pectin.
• Pour into hot sterilized jars.

PLUM PRESERVES

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a large saucepot.
• Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
• Cook rapidly almost to gelling point.
• As mixture thickens, stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Ladle into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space.
• Adjust two-piece lid caps.
• Process 15 minutes in a boiling water canner.