Plum Vanilla Bean Bellini Recipes

PLUM-VANILLA PRESERVES

Steps:

• Start with our step-by-step canning how-to.
• Put the plums, sugar, vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks in a large, wide saucepan. Squeeze the lemon juice through a strainer into the pan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils, about 10 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy or deep-fry thermometer registers 220 degrees F, about 30 minutes. (To be sure that the mixture has reached the gel point, spoon some onto a chilled plate and put in the freezer until cool. The liquid should set; if not, continue to cook and retest after a few more minutes.) Remove the pan from the heat and let cool 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, sterilize four 8-ounce canning jars and lids.
• Return the plum mixture to medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring, then add the plumcots. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the plumcots are tender, about 5 minutes. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
• Fill the jars with the plum mixture, leaving 1/2 inch headspace, then seal and process.

CALIFORNIA WHITE PEACH AND SPARKLING WINE COCKTAIL (AKA BELLINI)

Steps:

• Combine the sugar, 1/2 cup water, vanilla bean and seeds in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar is melted. Remove the vanilla bean, transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.
• Combine the vanilla sugar syrup and chopped peaches in food processor and process until smooth. Put some of the puree into the bottom of 4 Champagne flutes, or a pitcher. Top with cold sparkling wine and garnish with sliced peaches and mint sprigs.

CHERRY BELLINIS

Steps:

• Put the sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl or measuring cup and cool in the refrigerator.
• Combine the cherry juice and half of the cooled simple syrup in a large pitcher. Add the cava and stir to combine. Taste and add more simple syrup if desired. Serve in chilled wine flutes.