A delightful plum in your mouth

Here’s a simple way to make plum liqueur at home. Ingredients: 3.8 kg ripe plums, pitted and cut into eighths 650 gm caster sugar, divided 700 ml good quality vodka 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract, divided Peel from one orange, cut into slices, divided Method: Layer half the plums into the bottom of a very large wideneck jar with a lid, pressing the plums down as tightly as possible. Pour half the sugar over the plums, then half the vodka over the sugar. Sprinkle on half the vanilla extract, and place about half the orange peel pieces into the jar. Layer the rest of the plums into the jar, pressing them down, and top them with the remaining sugar, vodka, vanilla extract and orange peel pieces. Screw on the jar lid. Using an unscented candle, drip a coating of wax around the jar lid to prevent leaking. Cover the jar with a dark-coloured towel. Place the jar on its side in a dark, cool place, and turn the jar every day for 21 days, replacing the towel to keep out light. After 21 days, strain out the liqueur from the plums and peel with a fine sieve lined with muslin cloth, and bottle the liqueur.