The last of the summer plums...

A quick trip to the next door neighbours garden to check out the summer fruit trees left me in a panic... The plums were nearly all gone. 

Either the birds were feasting or they were squashed under feet and attracting the fruit flies. I dashed home to get a bag and climbed the trees in search of the last of the summer plums. So, now I had done the gathering, what to do with them.My first attempt using them was a plum chutney. The taste was amazing however it turned out more of a sauce than something you could lop on to a crumbly Cheddar and cracker so idea #2 was to preserve the fruit.

Preserved/stewed plums

600mls water

1/2 cup sugar

Enough plums to fit into the pan with out piggy backing them!

A shallow pan with a lid (frying pan)  

Heat the water and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. 

Add the plums and put a lid on the pan.

Cook for about 5-10 mins 

The plums cook really quickly and any longer and the fruit will start to fall apart. 

If preserving, sterilize the jars, add the plums whilst hot, then the syrup and seal.

Keep any remaining syrup as it makes a refreshing drink, try these ideas...

Plum syrup and soda

Plum syrup, gin and tonic - lots of ice and a wedge of lime

Plum syrup topped up with sparkling water

Add a dash to your bubbly for a tart kick

Ice cubes for any fruity drinks