Val's Homemade Plum Sauce

Our Mum Valerie has been making her plum sauce since the 60's using this tried and true recipe. Her sauce is highly sought after in our whānau and wider community. Here's Val's recipe, published for the very first time (with her permission of course!)...

 Ingredients:

• 2.7 kg (6 lb) plums
• 6 cups (3 pints) vinegar
• 900g (2 lb) brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cloves
• 2 tsp ground mace
• 6 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 57g (2 oz) garlic cloves

Put all ingredients together in a preserving pan (or large pot) and boil until reduced to pulp (2.5 - 3hrs).

Strain and bottle when cool.

Hint: It's easier to de-stone the plums first. Slice in half, twist, and the stone should come out easily. 

So, there you have it—a simple yet tasty recipe for homemade plum sauce.