Japanese Plum Paste

 Ingredients: - 2 kg Japanese plums - 2 kg sugar - 50 ml water - 4 sachets of vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, to taste

To prepare a delicious fruit paste, start by choosing the desired fruits. You can opt for peaches, plums, apricots, or apples, depending on your preferences. Make sure the fruits are well-ripened, as their aroma and taste will influence the final quality of the preparation. Wash them thoroughly under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities or pesticides.

After cleaning the fruits, cut them into smaller pieces to facilitate boiling. Place them in a large pot, add enough water to cover them completely, and put the pot on low heat. Let them boil for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the skin becomes soft and the pulp easily separates from the stones. It is important to boil on low heat to avoid burning the fruits and to keep the flavors intact.

Once the fruits are boiled, drain the water and use a sieve to separate the pulp from the stones and skin. You can use a wooden spoon or a masher to facilitate the process. Passing through the sieve will ensure a fine paste, free of unpleasant particles. Once you have obtained the paste, transfer it back to the pot and put it on medium heat. Boil the paste for 20-25 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You will notice how the consistency begins to thicken and the flavors concentrate.

After the paste has thickened, add sugar and vanilla sugar or cinnamon, depending on your preferences. Continue to boil the mixture for another 20 minutes, stirring frequently. This way, the sugar will dissolve completely, and the paste will acquire a rich texture and delicious taste. When the paste is well thickened and has a vibrant color, it's time to transfer it to sterilized jars.

Fill the jars with the hot paste, leaving a little space at the top. Then, seal them tightly and turn them upside down to create a vacuum. Leave the jars upside down in a warm place, covered with blankets, until they cool completely. This process will help preserve the paste and maintain the flavors. After they have cooled, label each jar with the date and type of paste. Then, store them in the pantry, where they will last a long time.

This fruit paste can be enjoyed in many ways. Spread it on slices of fresh bread or use it as a filling for pancakes or cakes. It will provide a sweet and natural taste, perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fruits to create your unique recipe!

 Tags:  sugar plum gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes fat-free recipes