Spicy Pickled Plums Food

SPICY PICKLES

Steps:

• Combine the first 9 ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Let boil for 2 minutes, remove from the heat and let sit until cooled to room temperature. Add the dill and cilantro. Place the cucumbers, into a large Mason jar, pour the cooled vinegar mixture over them, cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 4 days.

SPICY PICKLED PLUMS

Steps:

• Slit skin of each plum lengthwise from top to bottom with a sharp paring knife evenly around plum in 4 to 6 places, then put in a heatproof jar.
• Bring water to a boil with remaining ingredients in a 3-quart nonreactive saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes.
• Immediately pour pickling liquid over plums. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered, at least 1 day.
• Available at Latino markets and Chile Today-Hot Tamale (800-468-7377).
• ** Available at Fauchon (212-308-5919).

SPICY PEPPER PLUM JAM

Steps:

• Blend first three ingredients in a blender and transfer to pot with sugar.
• Bring slowly to a boil stirring all the while until sugar dissolves.
• Cook rapidly to the gelling point.
• As it thickens stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• When it's at the gelling point remove and pour into sterilized jars with a 1/4 inch head space.
• Adjust caps and process for 15 minutes in a water bath.

PICKLED PLUMS WITH SHISO

Steps:

• Put plums in a nonreactive bowl; set aside. Stir together vinegar, sugar, 1 cup water, shiso leaves, the spices, and the chile in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Pour over plums; let cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 8 hours, or up to 1 week. Just before serving, cut plums into 1/2-inch pieces. Discard cinnamon stick and chile.

SPICY OVEN-ROASTED PLUMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a shallow baking dish with cooking spray.
• Place the plums, cut-side up, in a single layer in the baking dish.
• Whisk together the orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, and cardamom in a bowl; drizzle over the plums.
• Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until plums are hot and the sauce is bubbly. Top with toasted almonds, if desired (see Cook's Note).

PLUM GOOD PICKLED PLUMS

Steps:

• Wash the fruit and prick each plum with a fork.
• Put all the other ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar has melted.
• Add plums and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Put plums into sterilized jars.
• Keep boiling the syrup until it thickens, pour over plums.
• Check the jars are sealed, keep for 2 months before using.