Prunes Poached in Red Wine

Makes 4 servings.

Prunes are really dried plums that have enormous health benefits.  This is a delicious, versatile dessert that I like to serve warm, either as is or with a dollop of chocolate sorbet and biscotti.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 ½ cups good quality dry red wine
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 vanilla bean, cut into very thin slices
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 7 ounces pitted prunes (See Note)
  • Zest from one orange, cut into thin strips, optional

PREPARATION

  1. In a small saucepan with a cover, combine wine, honey, vanilla bean and cinnamon.
  2. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Add prunes, bring to a boil and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick and add the zest.

NOTE:

Prunes come in 7 ounce packages.