Prunes Poached in Chai, T2 Indian Spice and Vanilla

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Prunes poached in Chai, T2 Indian Spice and Vanilla
When the lovely JJ, from 84th and 3rd, announced the theme of this month's Sweet Adventures Blog Hop: What's Your Cup of Tea, I have to admit I scratched my head. My first inclination was to politely decline for this month. And, if you've read my guest post, There's a Hippopotamus on the Roof Eating Chocolate, at Kathryn Elliot's Limes and Lycopene, you might understand why I would say 'no' to another dessert post. 

But when I reached into the larder for a teabag last weekend, a bright orange packet of  T2 Indian Spice tissane caught my eye. On the same shelf, half a packet of Budgi Werri prunes, a jar of the most beautiful Heilala vanilla paste and a tin of Real Chai. It was then I knew that a few of my favourite ingredients would combine into a simple, not-too-rich dessert that was perfect for me and perfect for the blog hop!
Whenever Peter and I travel and stay at hotels that offer a buffet breakfast, I'm the nerd that heads for the poached prunes and yoghurt. In fact, I often judge the quality of a hotel breakfast menu by the flavour and sumptuousness of the prunes. Does that mean I am a prune prude (or a pwune pwude?). Perhaps it does, but I don't care, she said with a smile!

My mother always poached prunes in vanilla, sugar or tea, so they have been on my repertoire for as long as I can remember (and that's a long, long time, now!). The combination of T2 Indian Spice, Real Chai and vanilla was, however, a bit of an experiment, but after tasting the results, Peter and I agreed I have nailed it. Enjoy!

PRUNES POACHED IN CHAI, T2 INDIAN SPICE AND VANILLA
1/2 cup vanilla-infused caster sugar
11/2 cups water
1 teaspoon Heilala vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon Real Chai original chai*
1 teaspoon T2 Indian Spice tissane+
25 Budgi Werri unsweetened prunes (or more)

Combine the caster sugar, water, vanilla bean paste in a saucepan and slowly bring to the boil. Combine the Chai and the T2 Indian Spice in a tea infuser or tea ball and place it into the saucepan. Add the prunes, lower heat, cover and poach very gently for 10-20 minutes. Allow to cool. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, yoghurt or ice cream. Or just enjoy the prunes in the syrup for breakfast.

*Please note, Real Chai is not a powder, syrup or a teabag.  Real Chai contains only real tea and real spices.  According to owner, Anthea Cahill, it contains 'premium quality black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves and love'. For stockists or online shopping, visit the web site.

+T2 Indian Spice is a loose leaf herbal tisane made up of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and pepper. It's delicious when served chilled, as iced tea.

Now tell me dear readers, are you a prune prude like me, or do you hate them?

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Real Chai, T2 Indian Spice tissane, Budgi Werri Prunes and Heilala Vanilla
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I'm a 'pwune pwude', are you?
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Combine the Chai and the T2 Indian Spice in a tea infuser or tea ball and place it into the saucepan. Add the prunes, lower heat, cover and poach very gently for 10-20 minutes.
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Enjoy the poached prunes with a dollop of sour cream, yoghurt or simply enjoy them in the syrup for breakfast!
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Thank you to JJ from 84thand3rd for hosting this event, and thanks also to the SABH organisers. Make sure you visit all the delicious participants below. I, too, look forward to dipping into your pages. 
 


Comments

25/05/2012 3:48pm

what a delightful addition to breakfast!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:41am

Lisa, absolutely! In fact, poached prunes are amazing with bircher muesli or porridge!

25/05/2012 4:08pm

I lol'd at the pwune pwude. You can be so funny!

I love prunes and chuckle when I see them on the menu listed as dried plums. Prunes have such an old fashioned reputation for being only for constipated old people.

I could eat these prunes with a big smile!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:42am

LOL Maureen, thank you. Dried plums... what silly business. Prunes, prunes, prunes, prunes! Rolls off the tongue easily!

InTolerant Chef
25/05/2012 4:27pm

I have a love for prunes too Lizzy. This recipe looks luscious!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:42am

It is indeed. And you being in Canberra, you have good access to Real Chai and T2. I hope you will try it.

25/05/2012 5:11pm

Yay Lizzie!! So glad you made these and that they turned out well for you - the flavours sound just divine together. Prunes have such a bad rep because, well you know, but I do love a good dried plum - heehee. Thanks for joining us!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:43am

Thanks for having me, JJ. Another lovely SABH. I love PRUNES!

25/05/2012 5:55pm

I knew this was going to be good before I even clicked on the post beacuse I love prunes. So, when I clicked through and saw that it was your post Lizzy, I was delighted. Last year, when I was in the Barossa, I picked up a huge bag of home made prunes from the local women's institute. Made with love and care. I'm hoping I can do the same again when I'm there next year. This looks delicious so I'm off now to grab some prunes and poach them for dessert tonight.

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:44am

Hi there Fiona... your prunes from the Barossa sound amazing. These Budgi Werri are unsweetened... and they become plumper after a few days in the poaching liquid, delicious!

I love prunes! I've only had them poached in tea once before, but thanks for reminding me how lovely and easy they are! I'll have to make them again soon!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:44am

Hello there. Make sure you add some vanilla and extra spices too!

26/05/2012 5:47am

I'm with you on the prunes Lizzy... love them! Growing up it was prunes and custard, nothing as sophisticated as poaching prunes with spices and vanilla! Like the idea of having them with yogurt! :)

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:45am

Prunes and custard, yummy! Almost hospital food. Delicious! Thanks for visiting Moya.

26/05/2012 8:42am

I have to be honest and say that I don't think I've ever tried prunes, but poaching them in tea and vanilla sounds like a delicious way to enjoy them!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:45am

Really!???! Wow. You must try them, Laura.

26/05/2012 4:07pm

I love prunes and always soak them in tea.

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:46am

Prunes and tea are an old favourite, aren't they Barbara.

Jane@Shady Baker
26/05/2012 6:31pm

Lovely photos Lizzy! I have not eaten prunes in years...maybe I need to try them again? I have been blending my own Chai tea recently so I might put this recipe on the 'to try' list! Have a lovely Sunday.

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:46am

Oh yummy, that sounds delicious Jane. I would love to try your Chai. How are you selling it? Have a great week.

26/05/2012 6:48pm

mmmm they look soo succulent. Poached prunes reminds me of my grandmother and I've not had them for years. These certainly do sound a lot more exciting than hers though!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:47am

LOL Michelle. That's so funny. Why is it that prunes have that old fashioned feel to them. They are really yummy! Thanks for visiting.

27/05/2012 3:51am

My sister used to eat prunes by the dozen, swimming in custard.
I used to abstain from dessert when they were on the menu.
I never did get my head - or taste buds - around prunes. I suspect they're another food - steeped in childhood bad memories - that i should give another chance in adulthood. This recipe may just nudge me in that direction. Thanks for sharing, Lizzy. Love your work!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:48am

Rachel, ha ha. Your sister must have very healthy bowels!!! I hope you will try them... but do make sure you use good quality prunes... perhaps unsweetened, like these Budgi Werri prunes and good quality Chai, spices and vanilla.

27/05/2012 5:41am

How interesting! It looks really good. We were just at tapas restaurant recently and I had prunes filled with Spanish cheese and drizzed with honey. It was so different but I really liked it!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:49am

Sarah, that tapas dish of prunes with the cheese and honey sounds wonderful. Wow... time consuming, but delicious! Thanks for stopping by.

27/05/2012 5:07pm

These would be so yum over warm porridge for breakfast:)

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:50am

Tania, absolutely!!

27/05/2012 6:21pm

As a kid I loved prunes, but haven't had any for years - this might be the excuse I need to go out and buy some. :)

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:50am

Hi Kirsty, it's never too late to introduce prunes to your diet ; )

28/05/2012 12:56am

I have to admit I'm not a prune lover, but poaching them in chai sounds divine! Maybe these will change my mind about prunes :D

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:51am

Hi Jennifer... the blend of Chai, T2 Indian Spice and the beautiful vanilla is honestly something else. I have to say, they were the best I have tasted... even better than a fancy hotel!

Lizzy
28/05/2012 1:52am

Thanks everyone for visiting so far. I am terribly unwell at the moment and I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your kind comments and your visits. Lovely to see you all.

28/05/2012 5:30pm

My mom always had a bag of prunes in our pantry, but for the life of me, I can't ever remember her making anything from them. I think we just snacked on them occasionally. Poaching them in your lovely concoction and serving with ice cream sounds wonderful, though!

Feel better soon, my friend...

Lizzy
30/05/2012 8:13pm

Liz, thanks so much for your kind get well wishes! Getting there. Trying to rest. We always had prunes in the house too, when I was growing up. Do try the poaching method, thanks for visiting xo

You know, I never used to like prunes but love them now, especially when paired with walnuts! :)

Lizzy
30/05/2012 8:13pm

Hi Lorraine... hmmm, prunes and walnuts. Yes, that could work!

Lizzy. I would never think of preparing a cup of tee your way. Fortunately I have all the ingredients, somewhere in my boxes (I'm moving from Amsterdam to Berlin), so I'll do it. Thank you for the idea :)

Lizzy
30/05/2012 8:14pm

Hello Marta... the idea is to poach the prunes, not drink the tea. But do try it! Thanks for stopping by, please visit again ; )

29/05/2012 6:18pm

Lizzy, you made me laugh! I've never been overly fussed on prunes, but then again, I've never tried one poached in chai before either! :)

Lizzy
30/05/2012 8:14pm

Celia, LOL, glad I made you laugh. Funny how you either love prunes or hate them. I love them!

I love prunes especially Budgiwerrri Prunes so incredibly soft and delicious. A perfect combo of flavours too. I hadnt thought of doing prunes in tea

Lizzy
01/06/2012 1:42am

Hi Tania... Yes, Budgiwerri Prunes are quite divine. I love the unsweetened ones! Do try this recipe ; )


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