Vanilla Plum Butter With Thyme + Spelt Biscuits // Sponsored By Cook Flavoring Company
To be honest, I like plums but I kinda overlook them. I usually go straight for the peaches, nectarines, and cherries when stone fruit starts hitting farmer's markets and grocery stores. My friend, Holly has two plum trees in her yard and more plums than she knows what to do with. She brought in a huge bag and said "here, you want some?". I didn't at the time. I didn't know what to do with them. So they went to other homes. But then I started thinking about what I could've done with them, and a preserve came to mind. Now I'm kinda kicking myself for turning down free plums but live and learn. The tart, rich flavor of the plums is the perfect match for the intoxicating and exotic aroma of fresh vanilla beans so I partnered with my friends at Cook Flavoring Company to make this delicious vanilla plum butter.
Cook Flavoring Company has been a family-owned and run operation producing the highest quality vanilla extracts and flavorings for 100 years. The company's dedication to crafting only the best vanilla is achieved through their bean-to-bottle approach, taking great care with each step of the production process. It begins with their commitment to the farmers they buy from. Cook Flavoring strives to build relationships with farmers and invest in their communities by helping to build schools and foster trust. In turn, they are able to purchase only the best vanilla beans at the peak of harvest. The company cures their own beans after harvest and never exposes their extracts to heat as other companies do but rather use a slower cold extraction method to ensure the highest quality and flavor you can buy. Cook Flavoring Company produces over 200 types of vanilla and flavorings so be sure to check out their selection online or find a location that sells Cook's near you.
When it was bubbling away on my stove, it was a 70 degree day outside but it still gave me all the cozy feelings that go along with being tucked away inside on a chilly day and having something warm cooking away on the stove. It's so comforting and I'm just gonna say it: I can't wait for Fall! I'm ready. And naturally we need something to smother this butter on so I made some earthy and wholesome thyme and spelt biscuits and they are the perfect accompaniment.
Vanilla Plum Butter With Thyme + Spelt Biscuits
makes about 8 biscuits and 4 c plum butter
plum butter
4 lbs plums (any variety you can get your hands on, I used a mix of red and black)
2 1/2 c organic cane sugar sugar
1/2 c water
2 vanilla beans, split in half lengthwise and pod reserved
juice of 1 lemon
biscuits
1 c all purpose flour, plus more for dusting work surface
1 c spelt flour (you could also use whole wheat flour or use just all purpose flour)
1/2 c butter (1 stick), cold and cubed
1/4 t Himalayan pink salt
1 1/2 t baking powder
3/4 c buttermilk
flaky sea salt, for topping
2 T fresh thyme, roughly chopped, divided
heavy cream or half and half, for brushing tops
make the plum butter
Slice the plums in half and then cut each half into rough wedges. Add them to a heavy-bottomed 4 quart (or larger) pot along with the sugar, water, lemon juice. Cut each vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, adding them to the pot. Add in the scraped pods as well. Bring to a boil over high heat, reducing to medium-high once the mixture begins to boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, until plums are very tender and have started to break down. Remove vanilla bean pods and discard. Transfer mixture to a blender and puree. Return to pot and cook on low until mixture has reduced to a consistency somewhere between heavy cream and yogurt. It will also thicken more as it cools. Remove from heat and allow to cool then transfer to glass jars. Store in fridge for up to a month.
make the biscuits
Preheat oven to 425 F. In a large bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, salt and 1 tablespoon of the thyme. Stir to combine. Using a pastry blender or your hands, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the butter resembles the size of peas. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat the dough into about 1 inch thickness. Using a 3 inch round biscuit cutter (a glass works, too!), cut out the biscuits. Transfer biscuits to a cast-iron skillet, about 1/2 an inch apart. Brush tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with flaky salt and the reserved tablespoon of thyme. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until deeply golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Smother warm biscuits with the plum butter.
This post is sponsored by Cook Flavoring Company. All opinions stated are my own and I only promote products I love and use. Thanks for supporting the brands that support me!
