Compôte of the Green Magnum-Bonum or Mogul Plum

Instructions

1. The green Mogul plums are often brought abundantly into the market when the fruit is thinned from the trees, and they make admirable tarts or compotes, possessing the fine slight bitter flavour of the unripe apricot, to which they are quite equal.
2. Measure a pint of the plums without their stalks, and wash them very clean.
3. Then throw them into a syrup made with seven ounces of sugar in lumps, and half a pint of water, boiled together for eight or ten minutes.
4. Give the plums one quick boil, and then let them stew quite softly for about five minutes, or until they are tender, which occasionally will be in less time even.
5. Take off the scum, and serve the compote hot or cold.