Sweet poached fresh plums are given a buttery, golden topping of crunchy oats, chopped nuts, mixed spices and brown sugar, then baked in the oven to make a comforting, homely pudding.
ingredients
serves: 4
2 pound ripe but firm plums
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1/4 cup sweet butter
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 cup jumbo rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
5/8 cup mixed chopped nuts
to serve:
whipped cream or ice cream
method
1. Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). Rinse, dry and halve the plums and remove the stones. If the plums are large, cut them into quarters.
2. Put the plums into a flameproof casserole, about 8 inch in diameter and 2 inch deep. Add 2 - 3 tablespoons of water and the superfine sugar. Cover, and poach over a moderate heat for 8 - 10 minutes, until the plums begin to soften, stirring occasionally
3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet, then stir in the mixed spice, rolled oats, demerara sugar and chopped nuts.
4. Spoon the oat crumble mixture evenly over the top of the plums. Put the casserole into the oven and bake for 12 - 15 minutes, checking from time to time, until the oats are golden brown. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
more information
If you do not have a flameproof casserole, poach the plums in an ordinary saucepan and then transfer them to an ovenproof dish to bake.
