Spiced Plum Soup

This soup is excellent piping hot or chilled. Serves 6 to 8 people as appetizers.

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs ripe dark plums, washed, cut in half, and pitted
1 6-inch thin strip of orange zest
1 1/2 cups orange juice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Garnish: Spoonsful of yogurt swirled in each serving

DIRECTIONS

Mix the plums, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and honey in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the fruit is very soft.

Puree the entire contents in a blender, skins and all. Stir in the yogurt. If you plan to serve it cold, chill in the refrigerator for several hours.

When ready to serve, add more orange juice, if you like, to achieve your preferred consistency. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, then ladle into small bowls. Swirl a spoonful of yogurt into each portion as a garnish.