OVEN DRIED PLUMS

4 lb plums
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
freshly ground pepper to taste

3 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (about 15 sprigs)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

Cut plums in half lengthwise and remove pits. Cut halves into 2-inch wedges. Place in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat well.

Arrange plums on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cut sides up, about an inch apart. Sprinkle liberally with fresh thyme.

Place in oven and leave to dry in oven 3 hours. Turn off oven, and allow plums to remain inside at least 2 more hours or overnight. Plums will be wrinkled but still quite juicy when done.

Servings: 6
Source: Martha Stewart Living; August, 1994