Oven Roasted California Plums

1/2 cup orange juice
1 vanilla bean
6 fresh California plums, pitted and halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons sugar
Cinnamon sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Ice cream, whipped cream or ricotta cheese topping* (optional)

* Blend 3/4 cup skim milk ricotta cheese and 3 tablespoons honey in a food processor until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

Heat oven to 400F.

Pour orange juice into an ovenproof baking or gratin dish. With the tip of a sharp knife, scrape the insides of the vanilla bean into the dish, reserving the pod. Place halved plums, cut-side down, in the baking dish. Sprinkle with sugar and lay the vanilla pod on top of the plums.

Bake until the plums are slightly slumped and feel a little soft, about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool to room temperature in the baking dish, then remove and chill until ready to serve. Reserve any pan juices to pour over the plums later.

To serve, place three plum halves cut-side up on a plate. Top with ice cream, whipped cream or ricotta cheese topping, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, if desired. Drizzle with reserved pan juices. Serve immediately.

From: Gale Gand, Tru, Chicago
Source: California Tree Fruit Agreement