You can serve this super quick and simple plum dessert with cake, you can spoon plum compote over ice cream, or you can even eat plum compote by itself with whipped cream.
Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour refrigeration)
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Yield: Enough for a 9-inch cake
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 ripe medium to large plums
Cut the large plums into quarters, removing the pits.
In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the sugar, water, and vanilla.
Bring to a boil.
Place the plums in the pot.
Don’t use an aluminum pot — it may react with the acidity of the plums.
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits soften and break down — about 20 minutes.
Remove from heat to cool.
Refrigerate for 1 hour or more.
Remove the vanilla bean before serving.