As the seasons change, our taste buds crave the sweet and tangy flavors that only nature’s bounty can provide. Among the many delicious fruits that come into season, wild plums stand out for their unique flavor profile – a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you’re looking to preserve the fruit for later use or incorporate it into your favorite dishes, we’ve got you covered. Here are 18 mouth-watering wild plum recipes to inspire you throughout the year.
From sweet treats like Wild Plum Jam with Cinnamon and Vanilla and Wild Plum Sorbet with Mint to savory delights such as Wild Plum BBQ Sauce for Grilling and Wild Plum and Balsamic Glazed Chicken, we’ve gathered some of the most innovative and delicious ways to use wild plums in your cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to delight.
Stay tuned for more! [insert rest of article here]
Wild Plum Jam with Cinnamon and Vanilla
This recipe combines the tartness of wild plums with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of vanilla, creating a unique and delicious jam perfect for toast, scones, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups wild plums, pitted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild plums, sugar, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and the plums have broken down.
3. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract.
4. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the jam has reached your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Spiced Wild Plum Chutney
A sweet and tangy condiment made with wild plums, this chutney is perfect for accompanying grilled meats, cheeses, or as a dip for crackers. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of the plums with warm spices to create a deliciously complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups wild plums, chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped plums, onion, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is soft and fragrant (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Add the apple cider vinegar and honey, stirring to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chutney has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Wild Plum and Almond Tart
This tart is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with the natural sweetness of wild plums balanced by the nutty flavor of almonds. This elegant dessert is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup of wild plum jam or preserves
– 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Spread the wild plum jam over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the jam.
5. Drizzle the honey, lemon juice, and salt over the almonds.
6. Fold the edges of the pastry up to create a crust, pressing gently to seal.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Wild Plum Sorbet with Mint
Experience the sweetness of summer with this unique sorbet recipe that combines the tartness of wild plums and the cooling essence of mint. This refreshing dessert is perfect for hot days or as a palate cleanser between courses.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups wild plum puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup water
• Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine wild plum puree and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves to the saucepan and remove from heat. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture has cooled slightly.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard the solids.
4. Stir in the water and lemon juice (if using).
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Once set, scoop and serve.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Wild Plum BBQ Sauce for Grilling
Elevate your grilled meats with this unique Wild Plum BBQ Sauce, featuring the natural sweetness of plums balanced by a hint of tanginess. Perfect for pork chops, ribs, or chicken, this sauce is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup wild plum preserves
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, wild plum preserves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: None (the sauce is ready to use immediately)
Usage: Brush the Wild Plum BBQ Sauce onto grilled meats during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Wild Plum and Ginger Compote
This sweet and tangy compote is perfect as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, or as a side dish for pork or game meats. The combination of wild plums and ginger creates a unique flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild plums (such as Santa Rosa or Italian prunes), pitted
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild plums, ginger, sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the compote through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the ginger slices.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Wild Plum Clafoutis with Powdered Sugar
This French-inspired dessert is a perfect showcase for the tart flavor of wild plums, paired with a sweet powdered sugar crust. This simple recipe yields a delightful and unique dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild plums, pitted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and granulated sugar.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Arrange the wild plums in the prepared pan.
6. Pour the batter over the plums.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the clafoutis is set.
8. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Wild Plum and Rosemary Focaccia
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and savory focaccia, featuring the tangy flavors of wild plums and rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/4 cup wild plum jam or preserves
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Top with chopped rosemary leaves, drizzle with wild plum jam, and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar (if using).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Plum Smoothie with Yogurt and Honey
Transform the sweetness of wild plums into a refreshing smoothie perfect for warm days. This simple recipe combines the tartness of plums with creamy yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen wild plums
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the wild plums and Greek yogurt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add the honey and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness to your liking.
5. Pour into glasses and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve cold, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a blended recipe.
Wild Plum and Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and tangy glazed chicken dish, featuring the bold flavors of wild plums and balsamic vinegar. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup wild plum preserves
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine wild plum preserves, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the glaze evenly over each breast.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wild Plum and Cardamom Crumble
A sweet and tangy combination of wild plums and cardamom, topped with a crunchy oat crumble, perfect for a warm evening dessert.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup wild plums, pitted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine wild plums, granulated sugar, and ground cardamom. Mix until the fruit is evenly coated.
3. Transfer the plum mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the plum filling.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
7. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Wild Plum Infused Vodka Cocktail
Experience the sweet and tangy flavors of wild plums in this unique cocktail recipe. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200ml) vodka
– 1/2 cup (100g) fresh or frozen wild plums, sliced
– 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 4 oz (120ml) sparkling water
– Slice of lemon, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vodka and sliced wild plums.
2. Seal the jar and store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow infusion.
3. Strain the infused vodka through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a new container. Discard the solids.
4. Mix 1-2 oz (30-60ml) of the infused vodka with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of honey syrup and 4 oz (120ml) of sparkling water in a glass filled with ice.
5. Stir gently to combine and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Cooking Time: At least 24 hours for infusion
Wild Plum and Thyme Galette
This rustic galette combines the sweet and tangy flavors of wild plums with the earthy aroma of thyme, perfect for a warm summer evening. The flaky pastry crust and tender fruit filling make this dessert both elegant and approachable.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1/2 cup wild plums, pitted
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and butter. Add ice-cold water and mix until dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
4. Arrange wild plums on one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with thyme.
5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Wild Plum and Orange Marmalade
This sweet and tangy marmalade combines the bold flavors of wild plums with the brightness of orange, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups wild plum puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild plum puree, sugar, and orange juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the marmalade has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the water and orange zest.
4. Let the marmalade cool slightly before transferring it to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months, or freeze for up to 1 year.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Plum and Walnut Bread
This recipe combines the sweet-tart flavor of wild plums with the richness of walnuts, creating a deliciously complex bread that’s perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chopped fresh wild plums (about 4-6 plums)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, wild plums, walnuts, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Wild Plum and Chili Glazed Pork Ribs
This recipe combines the tender sweetness of wild plums with the bold heat of chili glaze to create a mouth-watering pork rib dish that’s sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve a complex flavor profile that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup wild plum jam
– 1/4 cup chili glaze (such as sriracha)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together wild plum jam, chili glaze, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional).
4. Brush the wild plum-chili glaze mixture evenly onto both sides of the ribs.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each rack.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the ribs.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Plum and Coconut Ice Cream
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of wild plums and coconut in this creamy, dreamy ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup pureed wild plums (about 1 pound fresh or frozen)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and stir in unsweetened shredded coconut and pureed wild plums. Let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard the solids.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until cold, about 2 hours.
5. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: About 4-5 hours total (including chilling time)
Wild Plum and Basil Salad Dressing
This refreshing salad dressing combines the sweet and tangy flavors of wild plums with the brightness of fresh basil, perfect for topping your favorite greens or using as a marinade.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild plum preserves
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine wild plum preserves, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and chopped basil leaves.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Stir in Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of wild plum preserves to your desired level of sweetness.
– Use fresh or frozen basil leaves, depending on the season.
– This dressing makes about 1 cup and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy flavor of wild plums with these 18 delicious recipes for every season. From classic jams and preserves to innovative desserts and savory dishes, this collection has something for everyone. Try making a Wild Plum Jam with Cinnamon and Vanilla, or experiment with Spiced Wild Plum Chutney. For a sweet treat, opt for Wild Plum and Almond Tart or Wild Plum Sorbet with Mint. If you’re looking for savory options, try Wild Plum BBQ Sauce for Grilling or Wild Plum and Ginger Compote. And don’t forget to explore the many dessert possibilities, from Clafoutis with Powdered Sugar to Coconut Ice Cream.
Leave a Reply