Preserved "german Prunes" Or Plums Recipe

Preserved "German Prunes" or Plums Recipe:

History: Preserving fruits has been a popular practice for centuries, allowing people to enjoy the flavors of the harvest throughout the year. The recipe for Preserved "German Prunes" or Plums has a long history, tracing its origins back to Germany. It is a delightful way to preserve the rich taste of plums and enjoy them long after the harvest season.

Fun facts:
1. Plums are believed to have originated in the region that is now modern-day China and then spread to Europe.
2. Germany is known for its delectable array of preserved fruits and jams, and these preserved plums are a testament to their culinary expertise.

Ingredients:
- Fresh plums (german prunes)
- Granulated sugar

Instructions:
1. Start by washing the plums to ensure they are clean and free of any dirt or debris.
2. If you want to preserve the plums whole, pierce each one several times with a silver fork to allow the sugar syrup to penetrate the fruit. If you prefer, you can remove the pits as an alternative.
3. Weigh the plums and for every pound of plums, take about 3/4 pound of granulated sugar. Adjust the quantity of sugar according to your taste preferences.
4. In a preserving kettle, layer the plums and sugar alternately. Start with a layer of plums, followed by a layer of sugar, and continue until all the fruit is used.
5. Place the preserving kettle on the back of the range and let it stand for three to four hours until the sugar has dissolved completely.
6. Move the kettle to the front of the range and bring the syrup to a boil. Boil for about 60 minutes, removing any scum that arises on the top of the boiling syrup.
7. Once the plums have cooked in the syrup, carefully transfer them to clean, sterilized glass jars.
8. Pour the boiling syrup over the plums in the jars, ensuring that the fruit is completely covered.
9. Seal the jars tightly to prevent any air from entering. The preserved "German Prunes" are now ready for storage.

Note: If the plums cook soft in less than 20 minutes, remove them from the syrup using a perforated skimmer and place them in the jars. Continue to cook the syrup until it thickens to the desired consistency, similar to honey. Once ready, pour the thickened syrup over the plums and seal the jars.

Similar Recipes:
- Preserved Cherries: Follow the same instructions above, replacing the plums with fresh cherries. The syrup will infuse the cherries with a delightful sweetness.
- Preserved Peaches: Substitute peaches for the plums and enjoy the preserved flavors of this juicy summer fruit long after the season ends.
- Preserved Apricots: Delicate apricots can also be preserved in a similar manner, allowing you to savor their velvety taste throughout the year.

Experiment with different fruits and sugar quantities to create your unique variations of preserved fruits. These preserved "German Prunes" or Plums make excellent toppings for cakes, pies, or even enjoyed on their own with a dollop of whipped cream. Don't limit yourself to just one recipe - let your creativity flow and explore the world of preserving fruits in various ways!