There’s a whole lot of cooking you can do with this delicious fruit.

While plums are a treat by themselves, do not for a moment think that this little piece of perfection can’t be improved on.
Actually, there are quite a few innovative recipes that you can try with plums to add a whole new flavour to your table.

What’s more, plums are healthy too, being high in carbohydrates, low in fat and low in calories. They are a good source of vitamins A and C and although not as effective as dried prunes, fresh plums work well as a laxative. Plums also contain antibacterial and antiviral compounds.

Returningto recipes, baked, poached or as a base for a rich sauce — there’s a whole lot you can do with plums. Baked plums — light and delicious — are easy to make. All you have to do is to remove the stone, and place the plums in a baking dish. Sprinkle with sugar and spices to taste. You can add some alcohol or fruit juice instead of water and cover. Bake for 20-30 minutes. For poached plums, prick the skin as this helps them retain their shape. Place the fruit in simmering juice, wine or a mixture of water and sugar with some spices and cook until tender.

Chicken with plum sauce

Ingredients: 6-8 chicken breasts (1½ pounds); salt and pepper; 2 tbs butter; 1/4 cup minced spring onions; 12 plums, halved lengthwise; 1/4 tsp each of cinnamon and nutmeg; 1/3 cup brandy; 1/2 cup chicken stock mixed with 1 tsp of arrowroot.

Method: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Put butter in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken till golden-brown. Add onions and plums. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg and additional salt and pepper. Cover and cook till done. Then add the brandy. Cook for a few minutes, watching out for any flames. Remove the chicken to a serving plate. Add the chicken stock mixed with arrowroot to the pan. Reduce until lightly thickened, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Pour sauce and plums over the chicken and serve.