Sweet Pickled Damsons

Name: Sweet Pickled Damsons
Yield: makes four 12-ounce jars
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups cider vinegar; 1 (2-inch) piece of cinnamon stick; 1 teaspoon allspice berries; Juice and finely grated zest of 1 orange; 2 1/4 pounds firm, ripe damson plums or any other small, tart variety of plum; 3 3/4 cups granulated sugar

January 24, 2012

Season: Late August to September. Dark-skinned with a bluish bloom, small oval damson plums are very tart and well flavored, which makes them wonderful for preserving. This is a straightforward recipe that keeps the fruit whole and tender. I love warming cinnamon and allspice in the mix, but you can use any spices you fancy, or even a good tablespoonful of ready-made pickling spice (see p. 89). These sweet spiced damsons are a lovely addition to any buffet table and splendid with cold poultry.

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