Friday, July 16, 2010

Dulce de Ciruela


I don't know why so many people turn up their noses at prunes. They are sweet and good for you. They provide potassium,  fiber,  antioxidants as well as iron and Vitamin A, and they promote good digestive health.

Growing up both my mother and my grandmother made this dessert. It is very simple and will keep in the refrigerator for a month or more.

20oz bag of dried plums (I guess they don't like to call them prunes anymore, whatever)
1 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
large slice of orange peel (optional)

Wash your prunes and place in a pot with enough water to cover twice the height of the prune. Cover and let sit for a few hours or overnight to rehydrate the prunes. Stir in your sugar, cinnamon stick and orange peel and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium low let it cook uncovered until much of the water has evaporated or until it reaches the consistency of your desired syrup (about an hour or more).  Turn off the burner and let it cool completely. Remove the orange peel and cinnamon stick. Store in glass containers and refrigerate. My grandmother used to serve it with cream cheese, but cottage cheese works well too.

4 comments:

  1. I think it has to do with the fact that most people associate it as a fiber supplement (like a laxative)? At least that's what comes to mind. But plums on the other hand have a whole other meaning. My daughter loves prune applesauce.

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  2. You're right of course, not only that, but wrinkled old people are referred to as prunes also. Double negative connotation!

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  3. As soon as I saw the picture I could smell it and even taste it. I haven't had this in forever!! It brought back a lot of memories!

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  4. Do you have any of this still available. I forgot to ask earlier today.

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