Name: Plum Butter
Yield: Makes 4 or 5 (1/2-pint) jars
Ingredients: 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise; 4 lb ripe plums, cut into 1/2-inch wedges; 3 cups sugar; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 5 (1/2-pint) canning jars with lids and screw bands; a food mill fitted with fine disk

I've often made this luscious spread with little yellow plums gathered from my friend Ilene's fruit trees. Red or purple plums work equally well. Because fruit butters are slowly cooked down to a thick paste, they require a good deal of stirring to prevent scorching.

Active time: 2 hr Start to finish: 3 hr (plus 1 day for flavors to develop)

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