A prune is a dried fruit of various plum species, mostly Prunus domestica . It is wrinkled in shape, unlike its non-dried counterpart. More than 125 cultivars of plums are grown for drying. Fresh prunes reach the market earlier than fresh plums and are usually smaller in size. Only some varieties of plum are usually called prunes when dried.
Culinary uses
Prunes are used in cooking both sweet and savoury dishes. Stewed prunes are eaten as a dessert. Dried plums are ready-to-eat and make a healthy snack. Dried plums make everything from appetisers and salads to entrées and desserts irresistible.
Dried plums are nutrient-rich — they provide important vitamins and minerals for their calories. When eaten frequently, they contribute to the overall intake of dietary fibre and many important vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds, which function as antioxidants. Now, for a recipe.
Apple-Spice Dried Plum Griddle Cakes
Ingredients
All-purpose flour: 1 cup
Whole wheat flour: half a cup
Sugar: 2 tsp
Baking soda: one-and-a-half tsp
Salt: 1 tsp
Buttermilk: 2 cups
Eggs, lightly beaten: 2
Butter, melted: 2 tbsp
Chopped, dried plums: 1 cup (about 6 ounces)
Method:
Griddle Cakes
In medium-sized bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking soda and salt; mix well. Set aside. In small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and butter. Add this to the dry ingredients, mixing until the dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in the dried plums; let the mixture stand for five minutes. Heat a lightly-greased griddle over medium heat.
For each pancake, pour quarter cup of batter on the hot griddle. Turn the pancakes; when the tops are covered with bubbles and the edges look cooked. Cook the second sides until they turn golden brown. Serve warm with apple spice topping.
Apple Spice Topping
In a small saucepan, stir and cook 1 cup of unsweetened apple sauce. Add one-third cup (about 2 ounces) of finely chopped, pitted dried plums and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until warm.
