Baked Plums with Marzipan and Port Wine

This delightful dessert combines the rich sweetness of marzipan with the fruity depth of port wine, all nestled within luscious plums. Perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion, this dish brings together simple yet luxurious ingredients for an unforgettable taste experience. The recipe involves pitting ripe plums and filling them with marzipan balls, enhanced by the aromatic touch of vanilla. Baked to perfection, the plums soften and the flavors meld beautifully, creating a symphony of taste. The addition of port wine not only accentuates the sweetness but also brings a subtle richness to the dish. This dessert is easy to prepare yet will impress any guest with its sophisticated flavors. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it on its own, this dish is sure to be a hit. Dive into this recipe and discover a perfect blend of textures and flavors that delight the senses.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 12 large plums
• 300 g marzipan mass
• 130 g port wine

Spices:

• 4 vanilla pods

Other:

• A small amount of butter

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes (15 minutes prep, 25 minutes cook)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Plums: Start by gently washing the plums and pat them dry. Carefully use a knife to remove the pits from each plum, creating a cavity for the filling.
2. Shape the Marzipan: Divide the marzipan mass into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball.
3. Fill the Plums: Press one marzipan ball into the cavity of each plum, ensuring it fits snugly.
4. Split the Vanilla Pods: Take each vanilla pod and slice it lengthwise, then cut each half into three pieces. This will give you the perfect size to insert into the marzipan.
5. Add Vanilla to the Plums: Insert a piece of the vanilla pod into the marzipan filling of each plum, pressing it gently to secure.
6. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
7. Arrange the Plums: Place the filled plums in the prepared baking dish, with the marzipan side facing upwards.
8. Add the Port Wine: Pour the port wine gently into the dish, ensuring even distribution without disturbing the plums.
9. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius (374 degrees Fahrenheit).
10. Bake the Plums: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the plums are tender and the marzipan begins to turn golden.
11. Check for Doneness: After 15 minutes, check the plums for softness using a fork. They should be tender but retain their shape.
12. Remove and Cool: Carefully take the dish out of the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
13. Serving Suggestion: Serve the baked plums warm, optionally accompanied by a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
14. Add a Sweet Touch: If desired, drizzle a bit of the baking juices over the top for additional flavor.
15. Enjoy the Flavors: Relish the combination of sweet marzipan, aromatic vanilla, and rich port wine-infused plums.
16. Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
17. Reheat If Needed: To reheat, gently warm in a microwave or oven. Be careful not to overheat the marzipan.
18. Savor with Friends: This dessert is perfect for sharing, so invite friends over to enjoy this creation with you.
19. Explore Flavor Pairings: Experience the dish with a small glass of port wine for enhanced flavors.
20. Appreciate Your Creation: Take a moment to appreciate the delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

Tips

• Plum Selection: Choose ripe but firm plums to maintain shape during baking.
• Marzipan Substitute: Consider using almond paste if marzipan is unavailable.
• Port Wine: Any type of sweet dessert wine can be used if port is not available.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 230 per serving
• Protein: 3g
• Fats: 7g
• Carbs: 30g

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Utilize a chocolate filling instead of marzipan for nut allergies.
• Vegan Choice: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan marzipan recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Ice Cream: Vanilla or almond ice cream complements the warm flavors excellently.
• Garnish Ideas: A sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped nuts adds extra texture and flavor.
• Accompanying Drink: A sweet dessert wine or a classic Earl Grey tea enhances the dessert's richness.

Best Places

• Patisserie E. Ladurée - Renowned for their exceptional pastries. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
• Café Demel - A Viennese classic, perfect for marzipan and plum desserts. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Café Sacher - Iconic for their desserts and atmospheric setting. Location: Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Café Central - A historic spot adored for its pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien, Austria.
• Villa Fridhem - Known for using seasonal fruits in their desserts. Location: Getå Villa Fridhem, SE-605 97 Norrköping, Sweden.
• Conditorei Schober - Offers a wide variety of sweet delicacies. Location: Napfgasse 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
• The Wolseley - Famous for its European-style pastries. Location: 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB, UK.
• Cafe Majestic - Iconic for its stunning architecture and desserts. Location: R. de Santa Catarina 112, Porto, Portugal.
• Bäckerei-Café Wieser - Celebrated for unique marzipan creations. Location: Bahnhofstrasse 14, 3904 Naters, Switzerland.
• Café auf der Moregger Alm - Known for its rustic charm and delightful sweets. Location: Garmischer Str. 65, 80339 München, Germany.