Spiced Plums

Ingredients

• 5 pounds plums
• 4 pounds sugar
• spices
• 1 cupful strong vinegar

Instructions

1. Wash and pick the plums, then weigh them. Combine plums with sugar in the proportion of four pounds sugar to five pounds fruit, along with your choice of spices—be sure to include a tiny pod of Cayenne pepper. Place over the fire and let boil slowly, skimming off froth as it rises.
2. Stir with a perforated skimmer, which will remove most of the stones. Some stones left in will give a fine bitter almond flavor after the plums have stood awhile. Take care not to scorch the mixture.
3. Cook until very thick, then add a cupful of strong vinegar (for every half-gallon of fruit). Boil three minutes longer. Put hot into well-scalded jars, lay brandy paper over the top, or seal with paraffin.