Spicy Pickled Plums Recipes

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor, process the plums, onion and garlic in batches until smooth. Transfer to a Dutch oven. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until reduced by a third, 60-90 minutes., Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 15 minutes. Remove jars and cool.

Steps:

• Slit skin of each plum lengthwise from top to bottom with a sharp paring knife evenly around plum in 4 to 6 places, then put in a heatproof jar.
• Bring water to a boil with remaining ingredients in a 3-quart nonreactive saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes.
• Immediately pour pickling liquid over plums. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered, at least 1 day.
• Available at Latino markets and Chile Today-Hot Tamale (800-468-7377).
• ** Available at Fauchon (212-308-5919).