QUICK PLUM PRESERVES

By BobD

Ingredients

• YIELD 2-1/2 CUPS
• 2 lb firm-ripe red, black, or fresh prune plums, halved and pitted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick

Preparation

Step 1

Coarsely chop plums and stir together with sugar, water, and cinnamon stick in a 2-quart heavy saucepan.

Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally (more often toward end of cooking to prevent sticking), until thickened and reduced to about 2 1/2 cups, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Discard cinnamon stick and cool preserves.

Transfer to an airtight container and chill, covered.

COOKS NOTE: Preserves keep, chilled, 1 month.