The Prune Plums Are Here

At the grocer today, Danny spied the first prune plums.

"Oh, you have to call Mark right away so he can order you two cases. Wait, get three this year."

I'm pleased that my child is on a first name basis with the produce manager at our market, but I'm less pleased with him making more work for me. We will not be purchasing three cases of prune plums (that would be something like 90 lbs.) though I'm sure I could make use of them.

We bought a bag to just enjoy without the pressure of drying or canning, and boy, are they good. I made a peach and plum cobbler for dessert tonight, and it was just the right balance of sweet and tart-and the colour was magnificent.

Last year we made plum butter, plum sauce for pot-stickers, chutney, dried prunes, dried salted prunes, two frozen pies, a mock sloe gin, and some jelly. We used all but a jar of chutney, and I doubt this year's consumption pattern will vary much. I've learned over the years what we use, and I can assure you, three cases is far too much for three people.

If you've never tried a prune plum, I encourage you to give them a try-but I can't be responsible if you end up purchasing a case (or three).

Get them soon-the season is very short.